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AN 



EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 



AND 



SPIRIT MAGNETISM; 



THEIK VERITY, PRACTICABILITY, CONDITIONS AND LAWS. 



BY THE AUTHOR OF "VITAL MAGNETIC CURE," "NATURE'S 
LAWS EST HUMAN LIFE," ETC. 

An -toy* 5. H&u\YZ\r<£ 

'i — i 



BOSTON. 
COLBY AND RICH, PUBLISHERS. 

No. 9 Montgomery Place. 







"*■<? 



Copyright; 

COLBT AND ElCH. 

1876. 



PREFACE. 

Our previous works having been favorably received, 
has induced us to continue to meet the demand of the 
times, therefore have written the following brief treatise 
upon two of the most important subjects connected with 
the life of human beings, trusting that the suggestions 
made therein will prove stepping stones to a better un- 
derstanding of the subject, and will be the means of pre- 
venting souls from groping in ignorance and darkness 
in relation to the responsibilities and duties connected 
with human life in this world as well as in the spirit life. 

Persons reading this book should for the time being 
lay aside prejudices and pre-conceived opinions, thereby 
becoming independent thinkers, being willing to receive 
truth for its own sake, accepting or rejecting whatever 
reason and judgment dictates. 

Hoping this treatise may originate thought which will 
be pi-ofitable and worthy of the centennial year of this 
country, we send it on its mission of usefulness ; and 
may it prove a blessing to many skeptical and doubting 
souls who would doubtless gladly receive the truth when 
fully demonstrated to their minds. 



AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 



Spiritualism is either a natural phenomenon or 
a myth — which? Does the spirit of man at "death" 
return to its original state, its individuality being anni- 
hilated, or is it an active, individualized personality in 
spirit life ? Spiritualists are the only class of individ- 
uals claiming to know the fact and produce the proofs. 
Spiritualism, its use and abuse, its mission and ultimate, 
should be the great desire of mankind in this age of 
doubt, uncertainty and skepticism. Spiritualism, truth 
and facts, like honesty, are in many ways synonymous, 
all of them being unpopular ; but when fully realized 
in their true sense, they will be appreciated and become 
the high standard for society to live and act by. 

Realizing the necessity of a compact treatise, which 
explains the conditions and laws governing spiritualism 
and magnetism, the price to be within reach of all, we 
have endeavored to meet the demand ; having obtained 
information that we consider would be beneficial to those 
investigating the subjects. We have designed the book 



4 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

as a missionary document, for the better understanding 
of the philosophy. We shall state facts obtained from 
personal experiences and investigations ; also that which 
corroborates, selected from reliable individuals' testi- 
mony, leaving the readers to decide as to the rationality 
of the investigations, suggestions and conclusions. 

The word "spirit" is printed in the Bible much often- 
er than any other word of note, thus showing it to be 
of great importance ; in fact the value of the book lies 
in this word, when interpreted by the spiritualistic phi- 
losophy of the nineteenth century. There is no positive 
proof of immortality except by and through ancient and 
modern spiritualism. 

"Covet earnestly the best spiritual gifts" was an in- 
junction of the past. Why should it be ignored in this 
age by those claiming to believe that they existed in the 
past ages? Have the laws of life changed, or do indi- 
viduals change their interpretation of them ? 

Spiritualism and magnetism having their basic foun- 
dation in laws, facts, truths and principles, they belong 
to all humanity ; therefore must or should interest all 
mankind : these subjects cannot know sectarianism only 
as temporary in belief and action. 

In the future with all mankind knowledge must take 
the place of faith and belief, in regard to the life in the 
beyond, (to many the unknown,) also will the material 
and spiritual laws that govern and control both spheres 
of existence be more fully realized and better under- 
stood. 

It is worse than folly to attempt to force any partic- 
ular belief upon mankind : anything that is known is far 
better than simply a belief in it. The public and world 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 

at large have had a false impression in regard to spir- 
itualism, and its true mission and philosophy : they 
have the idea that it is with spiritualists imagination, 
illusion and delusion, more than reality ; also that the 
future life is supernatural more than natural : these views 
must be eradicated before the mind can be disabused of 
such theories. 

We shall speak our views and not another's, without 
they harmonize with ours : no one should be held re- 
sponsible for another person's convictions and actions. 
We hold no one responsible for our views, let them be 
true or false, but shall express only sentiments that we 
feel to be truthful. We do not intend to advance spec- 
ulative theories that will mystify the general reader, bur 
on the contrary state facts and principles that will be 
realized as truths to many intelligent minds. We may 
not have discovered a new law or thought : there can- 
not be anything new in life forces, but they may be new 
and better understood by the masses, and become util- 
ized and more practical. 

We look upon the spirit world as the completion of 
earth life, the future home of all individualized intelli- 
gences in their varied and diversified conditions and de- 
velopment, each spirit gravitating to its own sphere, as 
growth will admit, and no faster; the locality of the 
spirit world being around and about the earth sphere, 
and holds a similar relation as do the material and spir- 
itual bodies, or as the eye-lid does to the eye. Heaven 
we consider a condition of the spirit, instead of being 
in locality. Many persons get the two places confound- 
ed, and call the spirit world heaven. 



6 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

Spiritualism to us signifies that spirits in both spheres 
of existence can visit one another, when proper and 
suitable conditions are complied with or obtained ; also 
is a key to the past. Spirit power, vital magnetism 
and electricity are forces in nature without intelligence, 
which can be utilized and made beneficial in proportion 
as individuals understand them and know how to apply 
them, and no farther. 

The conditions and laws governing the return of spir- 
its are in perfect harmony with those of healing the sick 
by and through natural forces alluded to ; therefore 
many things in relation to the one are to a certain ex- 
tent applicable to the other, especially as far as condi- 
tions and the need of harmony. All forces in nature 
of necessity must work in perfect accord with nature's 
laws. 

There cannot be anything miraculous about spirit re- 
turn ; such things must be a part of the great problem 
of human life, or else it only exists in imagination ; it 
is the same with spirit healing; ignorance with regards 
to the laws of life may make the subjects appear mirac- 
ulous to many. 

Doubtless all sincere individuals desire truth in rela- 
tion to the laws and conditions governing the spirit 
world ; old forms, customs and beliefs have much to do 
with the existing prejudice concerning the spiritual phi- 
losophy, as understood by spiritualists. 

Many persons believe as did their parents, not even 
presuming to question or think for themselves on the 
vital questions of the day ; but take it for granted that 
belief insures eternal life, that is if that belief is in cer- 
tain forms and dogmas ; not even considering that their 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 7 

own individual opinions are as likely to be correct as 
the opinions of those who have preceded them, or those 
who are teaching doctrines that they never attempt to 
demonstrate, or give positive proofs of their truthful- 
ness. "We will not question individuals' honesty as to 
their religious views, when they are sincere ; but as 
there are many who believe only with their lips, they 
being confirmed sectarian bigots, we desire to reach that 
class, and show them their inconsistencies. 

Spiritualism is one thing ; society and its actions are 
another : spiritualism has been held responsible, to a 
great extent, for the sayings and actions of individual 
spiritualists, which is entirely wrong. Spiritualism be- 
ing a fixed fact, there is no more necessity of trying to 
prove it to the entire world's inhabitants faster than 
conditions and circumstances warrant, than there is to 
prove any other natural thing connected with human 
life and the universe, with this exception ; of saving the 
human family from being led into false teachings, de- 
voting time and money which might be expended in 
feeding, clothing and educating those who have been 
unfortunate. We would not ask individuals if their 
soul is saved, but try and discover if it is degraded, or if 
it has unfolded to the standard of its capacity, that it 
sees effects from causes. 

Spiritualism has been accused of leading to dissipa- 
tion. All that the public require to know concerning 
whether an individual is a spiritualist or not, is that 
he has been seen at a seance or a meeting where the 
philosophy is advocated : simply saying "I believe" does 
not make spiritualists, as it does sectarian church mem- 
bers. 



8 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

The majority of individuals who have investigated the 
subject have made material application instead of the 
spiritual, attempting to a great extent, to make it turn 
to a mercenary purpose. Both spheres of life being es- 
sential, useful and natural, also closely allied; and as 
there are many things useful in earth life that are as dross 
in spirit life, therefore it should not be expected that the 
two spheres can work together in harmony, in the way of 
hoarding up material things. We have known persons 
whose sole aim seemed to be to gain materia,! wealth, 
sacrificing the ordinary comforts of life, struggling and 
over- working their mental and physical system, for what 
in the last of their earth life they would have given 
their entire wealth to have had material life extended 
a few years longer : but Nature, true to law, said 
"No, your money will not buy it ; you must go when 
disease gets an incurable hold of you." If spiritualism 
was applied to its legitimate use, it would command 
the respect of every reflecting, thinking person. In- 
quirers, skeptics, church members and even a large 
majority of spiritualists, in nine times out of ten, often 
consult spirits for the purpose of finding out something 
that relates to mundane spheres, more than to the spirit 
spheres. If individuals would consider for a moment, 
they would see great inconsistency in consulting spirits 
upon the trivial things that relate to every day earth life. 
If reliable spirits are in sympathy with our daily walks 
and actions, and they come to us with suggestions and 
advice, and we have confidence that their advice and 
jndgment is superior to our own, then it is well to heed 
their counsel. The teachings that should be advanced 
are that each sphere of life has its own duties, work 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. i) 

and adaptation ; that both of them are in harmony with 
each other, when properly understood, is without ques- 
tion. The fault, if any, is with spiritualists and spirits, 
and not with the subject or law itself. Knowledge in 
the past was considered death and destruction ; in the 
present it is life, health and happiness to all who are for- 
tunate enough to obtain it. 

To-day "spiritualism" and "magnetism" are household 
words in all parts of the world : those who oppose it, 
as a general thing, are those who know the least, or the 
whole subject from hearsay, having never investigated 
it personally, therefore their arguments are valueless 
compared with those who know the facts from personal 
experience and knowledge. 

Some persons look upon the subjects as representing 
"evil," others as "good ;" but notwithstanding all objec- 
tions and obstacles that are bi'ought to bear against them, 
they have become a vitalizing power in the world, and 
are receiving the attention of all classes of society, and 
of the most advanced minds in this and other countries ; 
they having accepted the subjects as being truthful and 
the results of the universal law of life. 

The new dispensation or spirit manifestations com- 
menced some twenty seven years ago, in simplicity and 
obscurity, and has permeated all places ; and to-day 
spiritualism is the progressive star of the nineteenth 
century. It seems well that its birth commenced out- 
side of legalized creed, dogma and church organization, 
and that no religious denomination can own it, and 
thereby attempt to confine it to rules of their own mak- 
ing. The mission of spiritualism seems to be a leaven- 
ing process more than a sectarian movement, and should 



10 AN EPITOME OF SPIEITUALISM 

not be set in hostile array in any other way than to un- 
dermine and diffuse itself amongst the entire human 
family. In England it originated or started in the 
higher walks of life, and is permeating all departments 
of human life as it is in this country, and is destined to 
become universally acknowledged by all mankind. 

There are but few persons at the present time that 
think for themselves, but what acknowledge the existence 
of the different phenomena, but differ in their judgment 
as to the causes which produce the manifestations : 
some persons credit them to the author of all life ; oth- 
ers accuse the "devil" with their authorship, and look 
upon him as not being included in all things. The latter 
conclusion is contrary to known law, and not in har- 
mony with sound reason ; therefore we shall endeavor 
to treat the subject on the broad universal platform, 
which includes the "devil" as part of the whole, the devil 
being simply undeveloped good, or a myth. 

Our limitation of spiritualism is that it embraces all 
that exists ; its platform is broad enough to include all 
mankind, and is as high, low and deep as the universe, 
and all contained therein ; that it is connected with, and 
cannot be separated from all that exists. It solves the 
mystery connected with a future life, that has so long 
been a dark, doubtful abyss of uncertainties ; and shows 
what the. rewards and punishments are to be in case we 
disobey the laws of life, either physically, morally or 
spiritually. In fact spiritualism is a verity that is nat- 
ural, and should not be questioned, as to thinking of 
changing the law that sustains it, any more than we 
should question the law that governs and controls the 
planetary system. "We should accept all things in na- 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 11 

ture, and try to make them practical and useful. All 
things exist in nature of themselves from their own ne- 
cessity, and are governed by natural laws. We cannot 
change the laws if we desire ; they are beyond the con- 
trol of finite mind. 

Spirit tests and spirit identity are of such frequent 
occurrence that it seems futile to record them in this 
book : almost every family or some of their friends have 
received tests and experiences. There have been suffi- 
cient satisfactory facts and tests recorded or given to 
convince the entire world, if individuals could be con- 
vinced from the evidence of others. Personal experi- 
ences are the only realization and convincing proofs to 
many, of the truthfulness of the manifestations. 

The law of birth into the spirit world is natural, and 
as essential as birth into the material world, and takes 
place alike with all human beings. All persons of in- 
telligence acknowledge this fact. 

We cannot see God and the universe in any other 
light than to be one great, grand, incomprehensible per- 
petual motion ; self-sustaining, self-operating ; the only 
one that can ever exist, that is without the finite can 
reach the full capacity of the infinite. 

God in the constitution is the scheme devised by a 
few over-zealous individuals as a bolsterer and protec- 
tion to sectarian religion. God cannot be seen alike 
by all mankind, neither can He be put in or kept out 
of the constitution. God needs no law made by man 
to protect or compel recognition. All shades of belief 
as to the great first cause — the source of all life, and 
the destiny of mankind are entertained by humanity. 



12 AN EPITOME OF SPIKITUALISM 

The laws of life do not change, but individual opin- 
ions do. Our forefathers were not perfect, neither 
were their ancestors. To gain knowledge is not going 
backwards : the intelligent voters of this country are too 
far advanced in civilization to show in act what they 
cannot comprehend in knowledge. When our govern- 
ment attempts to force its subjects to accept dogmas, 
creeds and uncertainties as a religious obligation, then 
freedom — the true spirit of the constitution, will cease 
to exist. Intelligent persons must believe for themselves 
or they become slaves. 

Human life, its origin, its unfoldment is to-day as 
well as in the past a mystery to mankind. But few pre- 
tend to connect the link in the chain of life, or to trace 
it back to its fountain head ; but many there be that 
deal with facts and truths connected with human life, 
and from facts and principles discovered in life, ob- 
tained from the varied forms of investigation and devel- 
opment, give to the world the results of their researches 
and investigations. Such reports prove unsatisfactory 
to many individuals. 

We cannot see that it is possible for the finite mind 
to ever reach out in full and be able to comprehend the 
infinite, except in a limited sense. Some persons may 
catch glimpses from a more exalted state, obtained from 
extended research, but still there seems to be more light 
needed to know all of life and its hidden mysteries in 
relation to mind, spirit and matter. 

The higher or risen intelligences in answer to our 
questions in regard to the origin of man are as follows : 

"Q. — If man is the highest development of known in- 
telligent individuality existing in the earth-sphere, and 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 13 

is the result of time in development and unfoldment 
from the lower order of animals, and Nature's laws are 
immutable and unchangeable, why do we not see the 
unfolding process going on in this age as we do in all 
other lower forms of life in Nature ? 

A. — Nature ever has, and probably ever will, perform 
her works under cover, out of sight. The power that 
pushes matter on to its divine ultimate is an unseen 
power, a power that cannot be measured, cannot be 
weighed, cannot be analyzed. It is the Infinite, and 
because it is its manifestations are, in a great degree, 
incomprehensible. We see them when they are projec- 
ted into outer life, but not before, never in any age. 

This age is not behind any other age in showing its 
works of Nature, breathing out the revelations of the 
Divine ; but on the contrary, is in the advance of all 
other ages. 

Q. — After Nature has developed man through ani- 
mal gradation, does the law cease to work in this form? 
And if so, does it not prove that the laws of life are 
changeable ? 

A. — The law never ceases to work, and yet its mani- 
festations are infinitely changeable. The manifestation 
is the all of the law that you can ever know." 

Salem witchcraft may have been premature or the 
"elementary" conditions of spiritualism, which time has 
developed into usefulness. 

We know that we exist, and also that it was not our 
desire or wish that caused our existence : we find our- 
selves just as we are. We had no knowledge of life or 
individuality until we had remained in the earth sphere 
for several years, and come to growth sufficient to think 



14 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

and know for ourselves : identity is with us alike in de- 
gree. Idiosyncracies, disease and vices are to a large 
extent inheritances ; individuals are not responsible lor 
what belongs to generations preceding them : the well 
organized individuals should take no credit to themselves 
for being gifted or for having a healthy organism ; but 
they can thank fortune and their parents for their fine 
inheritance. If persons are unfortunate in their inher- 
itance they should try in all known ways to overcome, 
restrain and subdue vices, etc. 

We cannot reconcile ourselves to the thought that we 
lived as an identity or an individualized spirit before 
birth into the material body we now inhabit. If it were 
possible for highly intelligent spirits to pass on to spirit 
life, return and take on the form of infants, what would 
be the necessity of their losing the knowledge gained in 
their first earth life? All children are compelled to 
learn first rudiments, let them be of hio;h or low origin. 
Does the re-incarnation doctrine harmonize with any 
known law that can be satisfactorily demonstrated ? The 
doctrine is either true or false. It would seem to us that 
a spirit like Daniel Webster would, when re-incarnated, 
be able to show marked scholarship in his second infan- 
cy, and save the necessity of primary school education 
in second and third infancy. 

If the doctrine be true, why do we receive communi- 
cations from spirits that have been acknowledged by its 
adherents to have been re-incarnated in other material 
forms, and are active in earth life. We think the doc- 
trine itself needs no argument to prove its false premi- 
ses : we cannot see human spirits to be omnipotent or 
omnipresent ; or in other words, to be in two places at 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 15 

the same time. If they are in the spirit life active, they 
cannot be dwelling in human life as individual identities, 
as we see and comprehend life in the human. 

Before entering fully into the subject perhaps an ex- 
planation, relating to why we remain or write incog, 
might be interesting to some persons : many have said 
"he must be ashamed of his works" etc. We will give 
a few of what seems to us satisfactory reasons ; first, to 
deal with the subject independently of authority, that 
the readers may keep the subject constantly in their 
minds, instead of the author ; also to avoid being per- 
sonally criticised, instead of the manner in which the 
subject itself is explained. We are not ashamed of our 
views, neither are we of being known as author of the 
different works that we have caused to be issued, but 
feel satisfied that infallible authority should belong to 
the past instead of the present, which seems to us to 
have been a great hindrance in the march of progression 
thus far. We are also satisfied that principles, laws 
and their effects should be studied and dealt with, in- 
stead of individual personalities ; that a greater good 
can be accomplished in working in this way than to have 
names more prominent than the subject treated upon. 

We use the words we and us in preference to the 
pronoun /that we may avoid the appearance of being 
egotistical. We see daily where authority is worshipped 
instead of the truth itself; for instance when a "Rev.," 
"D. D.," "L. L. D." or some other title is used, or 
some renowned individual becomes convinced of the 
truths and facts connected with the spiritual philosophy, 
that which has been discovered by and through medi- 
ums, who have been teaching, through the aid of their 



16 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

spirit guides for the past twenty five years, and created 
a world wide interest ; then it is that the renowned in- 
dividuals will step upon the spiritual rostrum and advance 
the same teachings to old veteran spiritualists that have 
been recognized by all intelligent spiritualists until they 
have become a part of themselves. The new converts 
who have had but little experience, clothe their ideas in 
a little different language, and the public receive it be- 
cause it comes from a noted individual ; the same indiv- 
idual may have used all his or her energies until within 
a short time to prove the subject an illusion or delu- 
sion and fanatical in its tendency ; but when the subject 
is presented by learned persons instead of by the poor 
despised mediums who have given the proofs of the beau- 
tiful philosophy, then it is that it is received by a large 
class of individuals, while the mediums are looked upon 
as stepping stones to convert the learned, and nothing 
more. Mediums are often placed aside to give place 
to new educated, converted skeptics, and inspirational 
speakers, that angels have educated for the work are of- 
ten placed in the background, while those that have been 
educated in popular institutions (that must be broken 
away from before the truth can find utterance) are placed 
in the front. Some of our best inspirational speakers 
are forced from the field of labor from non-support, 
while learned individuals write lectures and read them 
in different parts of the country to full houses and at 
high prices ; the lectures containing no new ideas, they 
having been advanced by mediums years previous, as 
the spirit giveth utterance, from the inspiration of the 
hour, then and there. 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 17 

"VVe arc aware that there is danger of mediums be- 
coming fanatical in their utterances, or psychologized 
and fascinated, but we also know that persons writing 
their lectares are not always correct in their statements, 
and often advance thoughts which goon have to be given 
up as being errors, opposed to the higher teachings as 
given by the advanced spirits in higher life. We do 
not desire to be understood as favoring ignorance to 
that of education, but we do know that philosophy that 
has benefited mankind came through the uneducated 
mediums, that the learned are forced to accept and pro- 
mulgate ; therefore we say let truth come, even if it does 
not stand the test of able criticism, as far as language and 
grammar are concerned. There are many mediums that 
have been truly martyrs to spiritualism, and have suffered 
for the material necessities of life. They seem to be 
moved upon to go and do things that seem inconsistent 
to many, and have been considered insane by those who 
have not investigated the different phases of spirit con- 
trol. 

Doubtless there are mediums susceptible to all kinds 
of baneful influences, embodied and disembodied, as 
well as those generated outside of individuality, which 
are produced by the inharmonious conditions and vices 
of society ; such persons should be considered objects of 
sympathy and pity : but even spiritualists, that should 
know the laws of mediumship, blame such individuals 
for acts and sayings that the medium cannot resist or 
overcome ; others set them up as teachers. We do not 
wish it understood that we advise individuals to follow 
fanatical teachings that originate from disorganized, un- 
developed spirits, either in or out of the material body. 



18 AN EPITOME OE SPIRITUAUSM 

If persons are susceptible and are inharmonious, and 
have idiosyncracies, or are magnetically and psycholog- 
ically attracted to undeveloped spirits or the spirits to 
them, and are influenced by such spirits, we, as intelli- 
gent human beings should have sufficient discernment to 
distinguish the difference between fanaticism and sound 
practical teachings. 

If we find the intelligences that come to us are not 
practical in their teachings we should reject them, or not 
encourage them. We should not employ teachers or 
leaders who advocate teachings that are not consistent 
with advanced civilization : let them be controlled by 
either spirits in or out of the material form : we make 
no distinction between spirits in either spirit or earth 
spheres, without they are in reality of a higher type of 
intelligence and development. What is beneficial in 
one age may not be practical in the ages to follow. 

We must not get false impressions into our minds 
and take the sayings of spirits through mediums just be- 
cause they are spirits' sayings : in all cases we should 
judge of their truthfulness and reliability, and know for 
ourselves right from wrong ; sifting the chaff from the 
wheat, accepting or rejecting all that our reason approves 
or disapproves ; "believe not every spirit ; try the spirits" 
is a good motto even if it is old. 

MODEEN INTERPEETATION OF THE BIBLE. 

We find in reality that the Bible has no individual au- 
thority, and still it is not publicly questioned by the dif- 
ferent church organizations. We look upon the record 
as simply history of the good, bad and indifferent acts 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 19 

of those living in that age ; we cannot see wisdom in 
extending to posterity the record of some of the acts 
and sayings, which are said to have been performed 
and spoken by the so called "wise" and "good" men of 
the past ; there does not seem to be any beneficial re- 
sults following, that will be for the advancement of civ- 
ilization ; it may show the contrast between the lives of 
those living in that age and those in the present. But 
there may be serious objection to this, as many will 
have an excuse to practise or follow in the footsteps of 
their predecessors, and may be induced by reading the 
record to live the life that is said to be lived by some of 
the most noted men of that a^e. Where are the "Chris- 
tians" living in this age, that will approve of the mode 
of life that King3 David and Solomon, also Judah and 
Lot lived in their social relations of life ? 

Also the killing of innocent children and women, 
leaving the beautiful young girls for base purposes, or 
of selling a fellow-being into bondage, and executing 
one of the purest and best examples of humanity, sim- 
ply because he expressed his honest convictions as to 
what he considered to be justice and right. How can 
any person who uses his reason attempt to harmonize 
acts of individuals who (as the record states) lived in 
the past with those living in this age, except it be to 
show that what was wrong in the past must be the same 
in the present, and to disapprove of what we consider 
injurious, let it be either in the present age or in the past. 
The record states that the Lord put a lying spirit into 
the mouth of the prophet. Who believes such charges ? 
No doubt lying spirits deceived in the past, as they are 
capable of doing in the present ; but why accuse any 



20 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

one but the spirit itself of the act, or why should we ask 
the pure and good to "lead us not into temptation ?" 
Would it not be better to ask such to prevent us from 
falling into it instead ? How any intelligent individual 
can believe in the Adam and Eve narrative, except as 
a symbol, or the garden of Eden with its late hocus po- 
cus interpretation, is more than the majority of spiritu- 
alists can imagine. The human organism being called 
the temple of the living God is well enough , and is no- 
thing new, but we prefer to call the entire Universe the 
temple of the living God. 

Was not John's birth prophesied, and did he not 
prophesy of Jesus' birth, and did not Jesus prophesy of 
others that would follow him? And wfiy should we 
question the latter while the former was fulfilled ? 

Doubtless the most devoted worshippers of the Bible 
would not like to have many of its passages quoted in 
any other book, even if they are considered sacred in 
Bible history ; if many of the statements therein recor- 
ded were expunged, the moral of the book would be en- 
hanced and far more elevating to children who are 
compelled to read them ; young children put to shame 
those of older growth, when in their simplicity, they 
question many of the sayings in the Scripture that they 
do not understand and which puzzles the "wise" ones to 
answer. 

We do not consider the investigation of the Bible and 
giving opinions concerning it any more sacred or sacre- 
ligious than it would be to investigate works on spirit- 
ualism, chemistry or astronomy. We take the Bible for 
what it is worth, but do not accept the sectarian church 
interpretation of it. Many individuals may say with 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 21 

their lips "I believe, God help my unbelief," but to us 
there seems to be a doubt of their full conviction, or 
their realization of its being anything more than a record 
of human origin, as all history is that is written in this 
age by human beings. We should take into consider- 
ation the forms, symbols and customs of the age, also 
the number of the inhabitants, section of country, and 
in thought and imagination go back to the time and con- 
sider the conditions and circumstances in which the book 
was compiled, and the reliability as to the authority, to 
be placed in its contents as a whole. 

Deity being the author and finisher of all things, why 
should not his works be recognized in the history of the 
present age as well as in the past ; and why in this new 
era or dispensation (which is as marked as any that 
preceded it) should there not be a continuation of what 
is known as religious history, one that will be an aid 
and benefit to generations yet unborn ? 

History cannot be confined or recorded in the past 
alone ; therefore it seems to us to be consistent and ad- 
visable to have a continuation of history, or what might 
with propriety be called the second volume of the New 
Testament, which should be as reliable, and just as 
much from the author of all things as is the Old or New 
Testament. The different epochs of time should have 
their own records, and the present s*hould harmonize 
with the past as fully as does the New Testament with 
the Old Testament. If this conclusion is not rational 
and natural, Oh ! ye wise ones, please state why, and 
what are the objections to it. 

Who are competent to compose a council, suitable to 
compile the work, thereby continuing on the history to 



22 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

completeness ? Shall the work be compiled by sectari- 
ans, and be under military subjection, or be given to the 
most competent individuals who see and know the need 
of the history, and who may or may not be connected 
with the popular churches : competency and integrity 
seems to be the only requisite requirements needed in 
compiling the work. 

We think this history must be obtained sooner or la- 
ter, and individuals in different parts of the world are in- 
tuitively collating the needed material for the work. 

The present Bible contains principally accounts of 
spirit manifestation, such as prophecies, visions, dreams 
and their interpretations, and a record of beneficial re- 
sults from - the use of spiritual gifts : also speaks of tran- 
ces etc. precisely as are witnessed to-day, by those that 
will take the trouble or pleasure to investigate the laws 
of life. Who can say but what this age is as important 
as any that has preceded it ? 

To have a complete history of the spiritual work 
wherein the lives and acts of some of the martyrs and 
laborers in the present development of spirit power, 
those who oppose as well as its advocates should be re- 
corded, seems to us to be the need of the times, and 
necessary for a completeness of spiritual history. 

There is material sufficient to make a book much lar- 
ger than either ^the Old or New Testament, but as all 
of it would be useless in history, it might be well to 
select what can be substantiated by the most reliable tes- 
timony, and reject as they did in the past, some individ- 
uals' testimony when compiling. Also to avoid giving 
several different persons' testimony on certain events, as 
was done in the past, let all the council agree upon what 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 23 

is to be recorded, and save the necessity of saying such 
and such persons make the statement : it should be the 
combined opinion of the council instead of one person's 
statement. 

Why is it that there exists such a fear by the church 
members of investigating the truths and facts connected 
with the important subject of spiritualism is a serious 
question. Many persons dare not think for themselves ; 
a false interpretation of past history has placed a fear 
upon honest, well meaning individuals. 

The Roman Catholics, Second Adventists, Sweden- 
borgians, Quakers, Shakers and Methodists have had 
what they call spiritual gifts. Other evangelical de- 
nominations have it in belief, but confined to the past 
instead of the present. The Methodists in their primi- 
tive days received and acknowledged spiritual gifts, more 
than they do in their present prosperous condition. 
Formerly they encouraged the exercise of them when 
they appeared ; in the present they reject the power and 
gifts ; for instance some of their members at a late camp 
meeting were influenced ; they were ordered to stop such 
proceedings on the ground. At another meeting a 
member was entranced for a long time, by what they 
termed "slaying power." He was like a dead man, but 
the society refused to give credit to its being the same 
kind of influence that was prominent with them in the 
past, or that is so common among the spiritualists, and 
without question the same as came upon St. Paul, St. 
Peter and others in the past. 

Inconsistencies abound with the different religious 
teachers. When will individuals have the moral cou- 
rage to think for themselves ? We consider a Method- 



24 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

ist meeting where there is a oneness of spirit, a willing- 
ness to receive, and harmony abounds, which is created 
by the psychological power of some psychologist preach- 
er (what is termed by some a revivalist,) or by sing- 
ing, the best conditions that can be obtained for a 
seance : spirits can gain possession of sensitives better in 
such conditions than they can in a seance that is held 
where there are as many different opinions as to condi- 
tions requisite, as there are persons attending it. Spir- 
its return by a natural law, the same as they leave for 
the spirit life ; and it matters not whether they are rec- 
ognized or not, the fact is the same, but the results are 
not as favorable for the spirits to make themselves rec- 
ognized ; but as far as conditions for gaining control are 
concerned in harmonious gatherings, they cannot be ex- 
celled. 

Spiritualists at this time should know full well that 
contention, different opinions, "side issues," that cannot 
be seen alike by either spirits in or out of the material 
body are obstacles to healthy growth and unfoldment of 
spiritual gifts, which should be considered when mani- 
festations are desired. 

Seances composed of promiscous persons, also inhar- 
monious public meetings are neither beneficial to society 
nor sensitives, and should be avoided as much as possi- 
ble by all who are in a negative state. When antagon- 
istic, opposing influences are brought to bear upon 
sensitive organisms, it often proves detrimental in many 
ways, therefore this word of caution. A natural, steady 
growth is the most practical in development ; also an 
interior unfoldment first, then the external, thereby be- 
coming assisted by spirits while individuality is retained. 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 25 

Mediums generally are obliged to come to this con- 
dition sooner or later, if they prove useful in the field 
of labor. There are but few exceptions to this rule, 
either in the past or present, that we have discovered in 
mediumistic development. The spirit world is inhabit- 
ed by all classes and all grades of spirits, once dwellers 
on the earth sphere ; without question there are many 
mediums as well as individuals deceived by designing, 
"seducing spirits," who take delight in creating inhar- 
mony in all departments of human life. Some of the 
sensitives are willing instruments in their power. We 
cannot see any other solution to the subject that reason 
sanctions : this must be a natural consequence, judging 
from this sphere of life. 

When individuals understand that every act in life, 
good or bad makes the man or woman, and that mean 
low acts cannot be forgiven, except by growth and by 
overcoming evil with good, then will they do right for 
their sake as well as that of humanity. Spirits are at- 
tracted to those on earth that will cater to their mode of 
life, or a life similar to that which they lived while in 
earth sphere, let it be good or its opposite. Spirits gain 
control of individuals by a natural law, they differing in 
growth and desires as are the characteristics prominent 
in the spirit seeking control ; the effects and results of 
its mission depending upon the spirit itself, and not the 
law or the fact. They may come for selfish indulgence 
in vice, for pleasures or for the elevation of humanity ; 
just the same as do spirits living in human bodies to- 
day, acting from their own peculiar development. 



26 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 



MEDIUMSHIP; ITS LAWS, AND THE BELI- 
ABILITY OF SPIRIT COMMUNICATIONS. 

The word medium has many meanings, but when con- 
nected with the spiritual philosophy it means that certain 
individuals are susceptible to the influences from disem- 
bodied intelligences, also are susceptible to positive 
spirits living in this sphere of life. Most persons are 
more or less mediumistic and susceptible to spirit influ- 
ence or control : whether acknowledged or not, the fact 
is the same. Spirits in the mundane sphere affect indi- 
viduals pleasantly or otherwise by daily interchange ol 
thoughts : even when both agree, the effect is the same 
in many cases, which we claim is caused by the life for- 
ces generated in the different organisms, or the influences 
attracted to them being either harmonious or antagonis- 
tic. There is as much diversity in the effects produced 
upon different persons as there are differences in tem- 
perament and susceptibility ; many have full control of 
themselves, while the spirit leaves the impression upon 
the brain or controls their hand either mechanically, or 
impreses them to write what is imparted first to the 
brain. 

With some mediums the spirit gains full possession, 
the mediums remaining unconscious, not knowing one 
word that has been spoken through their lips. This 
phase of mediumship would be the means of convincing 
the most skeptical : many think this control the most re- 
liable, therefore the best, which might be the case, if 
we could always be sure that a reliable spirit is in posses- 
sion of the medium, or if it was sure that it is the one 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 27 

that it claims to be ; but as there is such deception prac- 
tised both by spirits in and out of the body material, it 
stands us in hand to be on guard : persons are full as lia- 
ble to be deceived by spirits out of the material form as 
in, therefore we consider it wisdom to state facts as they 
are, that the investigator and skeptic may know just 
how much reliability the spiritualists place upon the 
teachings of spirits. 

Without question the spirits are as truthful to-day as 
a whole, as they were in the past ages : many of the 
prophecies made in the past, as those in the present, are 
truthful and have been fulfilled ; others would not have 
been fulfilled if it had not been for the persons having 
them made to, felt it a duty in some cases to carry 
them out, "that the prophecy might be fulfilled" as was 
spoken by the propltet : for instance in <|he past, the 
case of Jesus, when on arriving at the gate of the city, 
he was obliged, as the record states, to send for the 
beast that he might ride into the city, as was prophesied. 

We will relate two cases of clear seeing or prophecy, 
that we are personally knowing to the facts, and which 
can be vouched for by the persons receiving them. 

A lady medium said to one of the principal merchants 
of Chicago a few years ago, "The boiler of your engine 
at your store is unsafe." By examination it was dis- 
covered that a spot several inches square had become 
worn so thin that it was transparent, and was liable to 
burst at any hour. The timely warning no doubt saved 
an accident. The same lady met Mr. Hartshorn, an 
engineer on the Old Colony railroad, the evening before 
the sad gas explosion on the South Boston bridge ; she 
said to him "You have a friend (not in your family) 



28 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

who will soon pass to spirit life suddenly ; you will be 
great ly surprised on hearing of his death." In less than 
twenty four hours Mr. Sanderson was numbered with 
the victims of the explosion. Mr. H. says he never was 
more surprised than when he heard of his sad fate, and 
then flashed the words upon his mind that had been 
spoken by the medium. Generally he and this friend 
took the same horse car to go to their business, and 
greeted each other mornings with "How are you, Chum- 
my ?" Whether the sad fate could have been averted if 
Mr. H. had questioned the intelligence in relation to the 
friend will never be known : not being a spiritualist, he 
neglected to question concerning the friend. In both 
of the above cases the medium was an entire stranger to 
the parties, but to-day they will corroborate the above 
statement. % 

We consider the communications no more reliable or 
truthful, or to be received any sooner than they should 
be if they came from the same spirit provided it was 
an inhabitant of the mundane sphere ; that is without 
the spirit has been in spirit life a sufficient time to have 
gained more knowledge and wisdom than it possessed 
before it reached spirit life : there are many sanguine 
spirits in spirit life, as well as in this life : they may 
come to us with all assurances imaginable and make 
statements which may or may not prove true : they are 
as liable to err in judgment as they did while in mun- 
dane spheres of life. We make these statements for 
the benefit of those who have had but little experience 
and who think that nothing but truth and perfection 
can emanate from spirit life. 

Our experience goes to prove that spirits are no more 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 29 

perfect in one sphere than in the other ; they are in both 
spheres capable of growing to a higher state of perfec- 
tion. 

In prophecy, much depends upon the medium as to 
its reliability or of its being verified ; many spirits are 
willing to give their opinion concerning future events, 
which should not be taken as prophecy or as being in- 
fallible any more than if they were spoken by the same 
class of spirits in this life. It is often more in having 
good judgment than the gift of prophecy, that spirits in 
both spheres get at facts and truths. We consider that 
mediums are unfolded in some cases to prophesy or to 
see future events, but the majority of the mediums in 
the present time are exercised for spirits to manifest 
themselves, which is for a different purpose than for 
prophesying. Mediums themselves are often deceived 
by spirits, saying and doing things that are not truly 
honest, at times being under the control of mischievous 
spirits. We should in all cases know whether the spirit 
controlling is guilty or whether the medium is practis- 
ing deception. In some cases it is difficult to state for 
a certainty, therefore caution should be exercised where 
there is a doubt ; but where it is once fully known that 
the medium is guilty of practising deception under the 
guise of spirit manifestation, spiritualists should discoun- 
tenance their doings, even if it does have a tendency 
to destroy public confidence in spirit manifestations. 
Doubtless some mediums pretend to be unconscious 
when controlled, when in fact they are not, and by this 
way gain knowledge of their sitters' secrets. 

If a spirit does not have a clear knowledge of our 
wants, conditions and circumstances without being told, 



30 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

it may be set down as almost a certainty that it is not our 
spirit friend that is answering our questions. Spirits to 
give valuable advice, must be knowing to the wants and 
circumstances of the individual. There are too many 
mediums that are like machines, and want the investi- 
gator to ask questions that can be answered by spirits 
in the form as well as out, by "yes" or "no," which are 
as likely to be false as true. We have long since dis- 
covered that it is not profitable to question a spirit without 
said spirit shows that he knows us without an introduc- 
tion. There are persons who go to mediums and expose 
their entire business : an unprincipled, smart medium or 
spirit could answer almost any question ; but the most 
important thing is is to be led or counselled in the right. 

An individual abounding in material force, styling 
himself a detective medium commenced to expose medi- 
ums, calling the whole spiritual phenomena a delusion 
and the mediums humbugs, and after travelling the 
country over as an "exposer" he found that an invisible 
power at times would take possession of his organism, 
and that manifestations were done through him that were 
beyond his own physical action and knowledge. On 
this discovery, in giving public seances he did not pre- 
tend that they were or were not done by spirits, but let 
the audience decide for themselves whether he was as- 
sisted by spirits or not. In this way, he said he could 
draw not only spiritualists but skeptics, and thereby 
reap a great harvest ; at the same time avoid giving free 
tickets to spiritualist societies. He also says his aim 
and object was purely making money : the world owed 
him a living, and it was no worse for him to cater to the 
public credulity than it is for ministers and men engaged 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 31 

in other professions. He had in his employ a minister's 
son, who is naturally gifted and understands the ways 
of the world, and can talk the spiritual laws with much 
ability and truthfulness ; but after he gets through with 
his lecture he is often found following the Bible injunc- 
tion in taking a little wine for the stomach's sake ; and 
in this way the spiritualists are ashamed of his acts, and 
the skeptic cannot see anything good in spiritualism. 
The example is bad, and far from being spiritual in the 
true sense. This medium in private conversation ac- 
knowledges that he is a full believer in the spiritualistic 
doctrine, and gives for an excuse for deception at times 
the following reasons ; first, he has to spend much time 
and expense in securing a hall, also in advertising, and 
is not sure of the first manifestation, but his expenses 
for license etc. must be paid, and when he has a full 
house and the spirits do not come to his assistance, he 
makes up bungling manifestations and gives something 
at random as "tests ;" these not being satisfactory to the 
audience, being detected in the deception, they pro- 
nounce him a fraud ; and he goes to another town and 
perhaps better conditions are given the spirits to mani- 
fest, and then he comes off victorious, and so goes from 
town to city all over the country, coining money from 
citizens with different religious beliefs. He says he 
avoids sensation and positive persons, as such destroy 
the conditions for the spirit control : he can tell when 
the power is upon him, and can do nothing satisfactory 
without it, but he must deceive when it is not upon him, 
for the purpose of keeping the money taken at the door. 
He says he shall continue to do so until audiences un- 
derstand that he has nothing to do with the genuine 



32 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

manifestations, and they are willing to pay him for se- 
ances whether they obtain manifestations or not. We 
can see much logic in his argument upon the material, 
money making plane of life, but not the first particle 
from the true spiritual stand-point. Without doubt he 
is attracting attention to the subject. His agent may 
have been born with hereditary inclinations for strong 
drink, which can be looked upon as a great misfortune, 
and his actions not worthy of the cause he is engaged in, 
but still it does not prove anything against the phenom- 
enon being a fact, but may retard its progress for a sea- 
son. Are such proceedings of more benefit than injury 
to the cause ? This medium makes an open confession 
that he cheats at times, and states publicly that he does 
not believe that there is a genuine physical medium be- 
fore the public but what at times palms off bogus man- 
ifestations for the genuine ones. We are satisfied that 
he is mistaken, and that he is practising to-day what 
will in the future look to him as being far from the bet- 
ter way, and when he becomes spiritualized he will see 
from a different stand-point. Often persons question 
sensitive mediums in relation to the reliability of their 
communications, in case they should have a seance with 
them. Doubtless such questions and lack of confidence 
destroys the harmony and will be the means of not get- 
ting satisfactory communications. Mediums should not 
be disturbed in any form before a seance, but speak "as 
the spirit giveth utterance," trusting the spirit to give 
whatever is best, or needed in each individual case. 

There are many honest, sensitive mediums who will 
not allow their organisms to be controlled by promiscous 
spirits : some of them can ward off the control, others 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 33 

cannot ; therefore many times there is danger of sensi- 
tives being controlled by undeveloped spirits, especially 
when they have no one that possesses the positive will 
force to assist them in warding them off. 

Mediums are often degraded by spirits of low, vicious 
propensities ; we call such control a species of obsession, 
or incarnation ; in fact all spirit control can be called 
possession, the control differing in degree as the spirits 
differ, in their understanding and goodness. 

Bible history states that wicked spirits were attracted 
to some individuals, and the last state of the persons 
was worse than the first : what is this but retrogression 
for the time being ? 



KE-INCAKNATION. 

The following is a species of re-incarnation ; spirits 
having had control of progressive mediumistic individu- 
als in all ages ; impressing them to say and to do many 
things beyond what they knew or the age they lived ; 
when such persons are born to spirit life, their control- 
ling guide may or may not continue in spirit life with 
them as guides, but our investigation thus far goes to sus- 
tain the theory, that on entering spirit life, the guides find 
some other mediumistic individual living in earth life, 
just the same as do the mediums themselves when they 
return to friends. In this solution it shows that the 
spirit of mediums that have not grown to the capacity 
or understanding of their controlling guides will on re- 
turning to earth show that they are not as well informed 
as they were while living in the material body, with the 



34 AN EPITOME OF SPIEITUALISM 

aid of the knowledge obtained from the controlling 
guides. This explanation may solve the question that is 
often asked, which is this ; "Why do spirits not show as 
much ability after the change 'death' as they did before ?" 

Well informed spiritualists are not afraid that their 
beautiful philosophy will be destroyed, but prefer to state 
facts as they find them, that the public may know the 
whole truth as it is, as far as they are able to discover 
it. It is far better for all persons that the subject should 
be presented in all its diversified bearings, and the rocks 
and quicksand (if any) be shown ; thereby saving indi- 
viduals from temporary disappointment ; this is the rea- 
son that we state facts, that skeptics and investigators 
may not feel disappointed if they do not get proofs sat- 
isfactory in an hour or in years. 

There are many things connected with the spiritual 
philosophy that seem almost incredible ; but are vouched 
for by creditable witnesses, as being genuine manifesta- 
tions of spirit power : they are almost equal to the fish 
and quail stories related in the past history. 

Spiritualists themselves cannot explain by any known 
law some of the seeming mysteries connected with the 
philosophy ; time may develop a solution of them , as far 
as it is in the power of the finite mind to comprehend the 
, infinite. There seems to be a wide difference of opin- 
ion amongst its advocates concerning the manifestations ; 
this may be the design of the higher intelligences, which 
prevents sectarian organization amongst them, and do 
away with idol worship. 

It takes a life-time to know all that there is to be 
learned in this philosophy : it is no superficial thing 
that can be learned from books alone or from institu- 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 35 

tions ; but it is individual growth and experience that 
settles conviction in the minds of all thinking persons. 

There are many individuals who on becoming con- 
vinced of the reality of spiritualism abandon their legit- 
imate occupation at the suggestion of some impractical 
or perhaps some mischievious spirit. Individuals do not 
seem benefited when they are constantly soliciting aid 
from the spirit life to do their material work for them : 
each sphere of life has its own work ; both can be in 
harmony, but the conditions for spirits out of the ma- 
terial form are not as natural to perform material labor 
as are those in mundane spheres, as we understand it. 

The majority of those consulting spirits do so upon 
the mundane plane of life, and upon things that they 
should be better judges of themselves ; therefore dissat- 
isfaction and inharmony are the results in many cases. 

A martyr to principles seldom gains or desires world- 
ly riches. What was done by a martyr in the past, and 
whose life was held up as an example, also is worshipped 
to-day by pei*sons who consider the acts he committed 
to be criminal and punishable, if practised in this age 
by any other individual. Doubtless in the great future 
all persons will be weighed in the balance of equal justice, 
motive and growth being considered in each individual 
case, without regard to the forms and customs of the age 
in which they lived. 

Some spirits now as in the past take no thought con- 
cerning material things, at times leading their subjects 
from place to place, not allowing them to accumulate 
material things, or even possess sufficient to obtain the 
necessities of human wants. How can such conditions 
be looked upon as being advisable when the individuals 



36 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

that assist those who are destitute are prosperous, and 
they look upon the persons thus led as unfortunates in- 
stead of true practical missionaries in a useful work ? 
"The laborer is worthy of his hire," but in most cases 
the persons led show no practical work, not even having 
the power to convince the public of spirit communion, 
or of its being worth obtaining. We feel sorry to make 
these confessions, but do so as a duty, that the public 
may know what spiritualists look upon as practical and 
what is the reverse, which takes the form of fanaticism. 

Without question much that passes for spirit control 
partakes largely of the mediums ; for instance the medi- 
um while in sympathy with an individual, gives satis- 
factory communications, but when anything offends the 
medium the "spirit" control changes, and instead of be- 
stowing favors as formerly, it traduces. This shows con- 
clusively that the mediums are not under the control of 
the higher intelligences, also that they are on the selfish 
plane of development, or not controlled by spirits at all. 
Investigators should learn that the same universal rule 
should be applied to spirits living in both spheres of life: 
doubtless both spheres of existence contain selfish spirits. 
We could relate some absurd, ridiculous examples where 
spirits through mediums have suggested favors being 
bestowed where they were not worthy of them. 

We could cite thousands of valuable, useful as well 
as reliable communications, but as they are so common 
and almost in every family, we will not allude to the 
truthful ones, but will speak of a class that do not prove 
reliable and trust-worthy, therefore cause much misun- 
derstanding. Spiritualists do not claim perfection in 
spirit communications. The Banner of Lights a week- 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 37 

ly paper devoted to the promulgation of the subject, has 
at the head of its columns the following words, which 
shows the estimation placed upon them by the oldest 
spiritual paper now before the public. 

"Each Message we claim was spoken by the Spirit 
whose name it bears through the instrumentality of 

MES. J. H. CONANT, 

while in an abnormal condition called the trance. These 
Messages indicate that spirits carry with them the char- 
acteristics of their earth life to that beyond — whether for 
good or evil. But those who leave the earth sphere in 
an undeveloped state, eventually progress into a higher 
condition. 

We ask the reader to receive no doctrine put forth by 
spirits in these columns that does not comport with his 
or her reason. All express as much of truth as they 
perceive — no more." 

Spirit communications are no doubt tinctured more or 
less with the mediums. The intellectual, moral and re- 
ligious elements have but little to do with the physical 
manifestations. The adapted chemical forces of the me- 
dium seem to be the essential elements required : there 
does not seem to be any fixed standard for spiritualists ; 
each one acts from his or her individual stand-point, or 
else they are hypocrites.. In fact no person can go above 
or below their interior growth, and remain long. The 
more spiritually, intellectually and morally unfolded the 
person is, the nearer they arrive to the high standard 
of perfection, Deity. 

We will give our experience as to the reliability of 
spirit communications in certain cases which have come 
under our personal observation. Not long since we ad- 



38 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

vised a friend to visit a test medium of note, who gave 
him undoubted proofs of the identity of his father's spirit : 
he was more than delighted, was perfectly satisfied of its 
being what it purported to be, but being of a worldly 
turn of mind his first thought was to question him on 
money making. The spirit seemed to understand the 
question and gave advice which was heeded and carried 
out, proving unreliable or a failure, making a loss of 
considerable money. This made my friend more skep- 
tical than before he investigated the subject ; therefore 
rejected it in full. He knew that his father would uot 
have advised him so foolishly, he being a spirit of sound 
judgment while in the body. Without question some 
spirit was attracted to him who represented his father's 
spirit and gave wrong information, just the same as is 
practised daily in mundane spheres by strangers repre- 
senting themselves falsely. 

Another case with another medium. A gentleman 
consulted a prophetic medium concerning his wife's 
health : the encouragement given him induced him to 
consult another ; this one gave many things like the first, 
afterwards made a prophecy which was entirely different 
from that of the first : both were positive in their asser- 
tions, and doubtless were made to state what they did 
by a power foreign to themselves. We heard the hus- 
band relate the messages to his wife, and we could not 
help thinking how incorrect the statements were from 
the true state of thing's. It was soon ascertained that 
both were false in their assertions or prophecy. 

There may be wisdom in not informing patients of 
their near approach to the better life, as was done in the 
last case. In many cases we have known spirits through 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 39 

mediums to make a prophecy to persons concerning their 
death ; the effect upon the individuals was depressing, 
and no doubt detrimental. For instance some persons 
as in Bible times are symbolically controlled, seeing all 
kinds of animals, snakes, coffins, daggers, death and de- 
struction, even when it does not in reality exist, not 
even in spirit. In one case some fifteen years have 
elapsed since the prophecy of death, the individuals be- 
ing to-day in far better health than when the spirit ut- 
tered the words. The symbols might have been intended 
to be entirely spiritual and were interpreted materially, 
but the effect seems to be injurious and unwise, judging 
from the mundane stand-point. 

There are spirits that seldom give any persons com- 
munications except in flattery ; others will not be bought 
or sold, but give things as they see them without fear or 
favor. Mediums prosper best materially when they at- 
tract a class of spirits who are "all things to all men," 
but such will not endure except it be for a season. Ju- 
dicious spirits never expose the faults of their friends to 
other persons, except it be to benefit, but often reveal 
them to individuals to reform them. 

Mediums are not at all responsible for what is im- 
parted by the spirits through their organism ; it only 
shows that communications from disembodied spirits are 
like those from mortals, therefore reason and judgment 
should be exercised in proving their reliability and truth- 
fulness. Investigators and skeptics who are honest in 
their investigation should not be condemned at wholesale 
for not seeing things through believers' eyes. There is 
more harm in believing too much without proof than 
there is in not enough. Mediums partially unfolded, 



40 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

or if they are controlled by unreliable spirits, placing 
themselves before the public, advertising for patronage, 
must expect to be criticised and tested to the extreme ; 
and if they are not in a condition to overcome such ob- 
stacles and skepticism, they should avoid placing them- 
selves before the public in the capacity of paying, public 
mediums, except with provisos. 

We will give a few more items of unreliability in com- 
munications that the subject may be shown in all its 
bearings. A person had an intimate friend living at a 
distance who was quite sick ; a spirit through a medium 
said that she could be cured, also stated how it could be 
done. The person on returning home found a letter 
which contained the sad news of the friend, she being 
an inhabitant of spirit life, while the spirit was giving 
the information that would restore her to health. The 
conflicting words made the skeptical inquirer more 
doubtful than before as to the reliability of spirit return. 

What one person accepts as a test, others account 
for in a natural manner, without the aid of spirits. A 
person called on a medium and received what he con- 
sidered a reliable and satisfactory seance : the individual 
told the medium where he was from, and that it was the 
only time that he should have for a seance, as he was 
to leave the city soon. The medium under "spirit con- 
trol" said "You are going to ," naming the place ; 

"No," Said the person, such a place, giving the name. 
"Oh ! yes" said the spirit, "that is it" ; and then goes on 
and says you must do so and so on your arrival. We 
can see no test in the above, but the individual was per- 
fectly satisfied. Many drink in all that is stated to them 
by spirits through a medium, not stopping to question. 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 41 

In the last case alluded to, the medium may not be at 
fault, therefore they should not be sensitive when such 
things are made known for the benefit of the public and 
cause. 

From curiosity and to test a medium an acquaintance 
took a lock of false hair from his worn-out top piece, and 
forwarded it by mail to a noted medium or psychome- 
trist. The answer was returned, stating that the person 
had a tape worm ; a recipe for medicine was sent that 
would extricate it. The answer may be correct, or it 
it may not : it would be difficult to state for a certainty 
whether the person who had the hair cut from his head 
(that the top piece was made from) had a tape worm or 
not, but it was considered by the skeptic a failure, the 
medium a fraud or humbug. If deception had not been 
sent to the psychometrist, better results might have been 
obtained. If we expect and desire honesty and truth, 
we should not bait our questions with deception and 
falsehood. 

We know of persons who have visited mediums for 
the sole purpose of finding out when their partners were 
to take exit to spirit life : invariably did the answer 
come in echo according to their own spirit desire, the 
spirit stating that at such a time the link binding the spirit 
to the material would be broken. The consultations were 
kept up with different mediums for years, and to-day the 
partner is in better health to all appearance than at the 
time of consulting, some twelve years ago. This shows 
that some spirits cater to the morbid imagination or de- 
sire of individuals, therefore should not be sought for 
any such purpose. 



42 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

A public medium named her canary bird after an ec- 
centric woman. She soon sickened and report said was 
near death. This medium prophesied that the death 
change had come to the woman, as the bird had died. 
No doubt there was more sympathy than mediumship in 
this prophecy. Another medium prophesied that a no- 
ted spiritualist who was returning from a long absence, 
on board of a steamer, had been shipwrecked and nev- 
er would reach the shore alive. He was willing that the 
truthfulness of his gift should be judged by the future 
results of his prophecy. In both of the cases named 
there was no truth in the statements made. This shows 
that we should not place implicit faith in all that is giv- 
en by and through mediums, and that as of old there are 
spirits of all grades of truthfulness on the other side, as 
there are in this sphere of life ; therefore no infallibility 
will be recognized by well informed spiritualists, even 
if church members hold that such a state exists outside 
of the infinite. 

We do not wish to be understood as ignoring the gift 
of prophecy, but think it most reliable when it comes 
unasked. Without question selfish spirits who work on 
both sides of questions, give advice on marriage as well 
as on other questions, which prove no more reliable than 
if it were given by the same class of spirits dwelling in 
mundane spheres. Marriage consummated under such 
spirits' advice, in nine times out of ten does not prove 
harmonious or beneficial. We should know the coun- 
sels to be reliable before acting upon their advice. 
There are some highly sensitive mediums who have a 
feeling of repulsion of being a receptacle for all classes 
of spirits, therefore will not be influenced except under 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 4d 

certain conditions, and when with persons that are be- 
yond reproach, they do not seem willing to meet the 
conditions that are often required by skeptics. Some 
mediums can give reliable communications to one per- 
son to-day and not tomorrow, while with others they 
cannot give anything that is satisfactory ; such things 
are accounted for, when individuals understand the gov- 
erning natural law that spirits employ. 

There is no question but what mediums have "familiar 
spirits" as is spoken of in the Bible, who act for the spir- 
its of friends at times as messengers, and can read ques- 
tions in the minds of others, and answer them from their 
own stand-point ; the questioners seeing that the ques- 
tions are understood and answered, take it for granted 
that their spirit friends must have been present to have 
known what the question was ; but if they would con- 
sider for a moment they must know that one spirit as 
well as another can read thoughts and answer mental 
questions. The questions may not be as satisfactorily 
answered by one spirit as by another, but still they are 
answered, and we make these suggestions not to disap- 
prove, but more to get at facts, truth and the founda- 
tion of the subject. 

Doubtless mediums for gain are knowingly and 
willingly influenced by spirits to take both sides of a 
subject or question, and will assist in consummating a 
scheme, trade or plot where one of the parties will be 
benefited at the expense and injury of the other, just the 
same as is practised in mundane spheres. 

We have known cases of this kind, where the medium 
knew from actual knowledge both sides of a trade, law- 
suit, also a divorce 6uit, and the medium kept both par- 



44 AN EPITOME OF SPIEITUALISM 

ties in ignorance of anything being known, except what 
was claimed to be given by spirits. Such acts are any- 
thing but honest, and should not be countenanced by 
spiritualists. 

Where mediums and spirits can work for both parties 
for simply justice to the right, it should be encouraged 
and commended ; but as there are many selfish spirits 
in both spheres of existence, and with many might makes 
right, therefore we should be cautious in taking the ad- 
vice given by different spirits, as we may be receiving 
advice that may not be for our best good. Mediums, 
niinistei's and politicians without principle at stake, who 
stoop to gain popular favor by selling themselves for 
simply gain should be placed in the same category ; pol- 
icy has been indulged in too frequently for the best in- 
terest of society. One of the most detrimental things 
in spiritualism is that mediums are flattered and puffed 
up at times, and are taking high prices for seances while 
other mediums who are equally as worthy, but having 
no personal ability or shrewd financial agent to put them 
before the public, are working night and day in the 
cause for a small pittance. 

The philosophy of spiritualism is not injured by this 
solution or explanation, but on the contrary is made more 
reasonable and satisfactory, as we understand it. A 
spirit having the power to return from the spirit life set- 
tles the question with all rational, reasonable persons. 
Making practical the knowledge obtained is, or should 
be the work of to-day, therefore spirits and mediums 
should be willing to be tested in all ways best suited for 
the true, honest investigator. Individuals should give 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 45 

mediums and spirits all suitable, honest means to accom- 
plish their mission. 

AVell informed spiritualists look upon the spirit world 
as they do upon earth life, as far as being inhabited by 
different grades of spirits, differing in degree both in 
mentality and knowledge, also moral development ; each 
living in their own individual sphere, the information 
received from them to be as reliable and no more so than 
the spirit is that gives it : when such a view is acknow- 
ledged and accepted, then will there be less fanaticism, 
and persons will receive communications from spirits for 
their own intrinsic worth. 

Some spirits return and state that in the spirit world 
flowers grow, and that at times they can bring them to 
friends, but such flowers vanish quickly, as they are on- 
ly spiritual, and cannot be seen by any person but those 
who have their spiritual gifts unfolded. We cannot see 
it possible for material things to be taken to the spirit 
world, neither can we see it possible for the productions 
of spirit life to be tangible for any great length of time 
in the material life ; spirits can without doubt material- 
ize for the time being anything they desire, but it is not 
the production of spirit life and it will be only of tem- 
porary duration in the form of materialization. 

At the present time there are so many difficult things 
to solve in regard to the spirit manifestations and the 
laws governing them, also there are so many things 
practised under the guise of spiritualism which is simply 
deception, that it is difficult to distinguish the true from 
the false, or whether the manifestations originate from 
the mundane or the supermundane spheres. "Try the 
spirits." 



46 AN EPITOME OF SPIEITUALISM 

The investigator has much to do with the reliability 
of their communications : a person with a strong deter- 
mined will can destroy the harmony of any seance, or 
the reliability of any communication to themselves and 
others : investigators in visiting mediums should learn 
that all the manifestations must be given through a nat- 
ural law, and that harmony is essential in producing 
spirit manifestations of different forms. Positiveness is 
beneficial when in the right, but in seeking truth it often 
proves detrimental to conditions, passivity being far 
preferable. Persons can remain passive and still not 
believe until fully convinced. There is too much belief 
in the world with too little knowledge for that belief. 

Individuals going into the presence of sensitives will 
be most likely to transfer their own troubles and condi- 
tions upon the sensitive ; if they have deception in their 
minds they will be almost sure to get that in return ; if 
truth, they will attract truth : many mediums act as mir- 
rors or are sponge-like, absorbing or reflecting others' 
conditions just as they are, and not what they seem to be 
on the surface ; therefore if such mediums are not well 
sustained, or if they do not have good surroundings and 
conditions, the investigator only gets his own thoughts, 
and nothing reliable from the spirit world is obtained. 
For illustration a powerful psychologist can project his 
own imaginations or thoughts upon his sensitive subjects 
in a manner that they will see and act as he desires or 
wills them to do, they having no power within themselves 
to resist his influence. This being a fact it is wisdom to 
know that the individual possessing the power over us to 
be in all ways honorable and possessing high moral 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 47 

integrity and principle, before allowing them to gain the 
control. 

Psychological power exercised from the mundane 
spheres has much to do with the control of some medi- 
ums, therefore caution is needed in this direction, as this 
power is injurious if not put to some beneficial use. 

Most spiritualists accept all the seeming inconsis- 
tencies and imperfections connected with the spiritual 
philosophy as they do all under growth that exists in 
mundane spheres of life ; not approving of all the unde- 
veloped conditions in either sphere of existence ; but deal 
with facts and truths as they find them, not expecting 
to change the laws governing the universe by belief. 
Having full conviction of the truthfulness of spiritualism 
we make known some of the imperfections connected 
with it and give our explanations, not for the purpose 
of retarding the cause, but to give facts that we have 
discovered from close observation, knowing that the 
cause cannot be overthrown by truth itself, but will be 
enhanced and better understood thereby. 

Alchemy, magic or superstition — which? We have 
been led by spirit power, intuitively or otherwise to dis- 
cover many strange coincidents without special pains. 
A peculiar incident occurred more than ten years ago in 
New York city : an elderly lady engaged in philanthropic 
work in the city made our acquaintance ; she revealed 
to us a secret that she "dared not reveal to her own chil- 
dren," that she was in possession of a rare, ancient book 
which claimed to give the key to the "philosopher's 
stone." She was impressed to show it to us, and also 
desired us to dispose of it for her without informing either 
of her children. We called on her at several different 



48 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

times ; her family moving in good society to all appear- 
ance. We took the book to our rooms and read and re- 
read it, but could not make any practical sense out of it : 
the price of the book was one hundred dollars. We kept 
it for several months, and being considered so valuable by 
the lady, returned it. Since that time the lady has 
joined her husband in spirit life ; she informed us that 
she was knowing to her husband's manufacturins: "jrold" 
which she sold to bankers in New York, they buying it 
for the genuine article, and never discovered to the con- 
trary, and she believed it pure. Her husband in the 
last years of his life was considered insane, often going 
without food or sleep for weeks. It was at one of these 
tines that he made the gold, which she said was done by 
the use of different kinds of ingredients, placing them in 
a dark room, marking a circle with chalk on the floor, 
in which figures were written, the ingredients inside. 
Cabalistic words were spoken, prayers uttered and pure 
gold would appear in bars ready for the market. The 
whole modus operandi was given in the book, but we 
could not work up faith enough to experiment or buy 
"the book. That the lady was sincere in her claims we 
did not question. We showed the book to several sci- 
entific individuals, but they declined to advance money 
on it, their faith being too weak in her claims. 

Another mysterious case was related to us years ago 
in Bridgeport, Conn. Dr. Styles, a clairvoyant, in- 
formed us that he was quite poor and owed small bills, 
when a voice spoke to him and said "Go and pay your 
bills." He refused to go without money, but after ma- 
ny promises from the voice he obeyed, and while on the 
way some ninety dollars in gold was placed in his pocket 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 49 

with a chink while walking. A druggist doing business 
there corroborated the statement, and said that he re- 
ceived some of it in settlement. This gold coin was 
claimed to have been brought in the same way that the 
material flowei's are brought, and must have been taken 
unlawfully from the owner. 

Of late we listened to a lecture on "Occultism, Magic 
and Elementary Spirits" which was so much mixed up 
with genuine spiritualism that it was difficult to under- 
stand what the late converted champion to the subject was 
attempting to prove ; but in his remarks it was impossi- 
ble for us to distinguish the different phenomena that 
he describes as being different from that which is said 
to be seen while under the effects of strong drink, "de- 
lirium tremens", or while under the psychological influ- 
ence. In the latter the operator can make his subject 
see or do anything he wills him to do ; while in fact it is 
only in the imagination of the subject that the articles and 
beings are seen, while in the former the effects that liq- 
uor produces upon the brain causes the individual to 
see all forms of hideous monsters, undeveloped spirits, 
or "elementary spirits". Doubtless there are persons that 
possess the subtle power when in the presence of sensi- 
tives, that causes invisibles to impress or make them 
see whatever they choose, but we understand that the 
public cannot sec the imaginary things ; none but those 
under the influence of the person possessing the power 
see the sights. The lecturer said it was capable of be- 
ing learned, it is the same with psychology by some per- 
sons, but if elementary spirits exist they must be seen 
the same as human spirits, or else it is simply halluci- 
nation or imagination in the subject alone, as we see it. 

3 



50 AN EPITOME OE SPIEITUALISM 

A bad feature in this subject is the secresy subjoined on 
the whole thing. We saw nothing described in the lec- 
ture but what spirits of different grades of development 
are capable of performing, that is if they are capable of 
materializing themselves in different sizes and costumes. 

We have not a doubt but what there is a natural mao-i- 

o 

cal power existing in the universe, but that a class of 
diakka or elementary spirits exist that can perform great 
wonders, are better informed and can control life ele- 
ments to higher perfection than can human spirits, we 
do not believe. We think that such a theory is not on- 
ly erroneous, but greatly disturbs and retards the spir- 
itualistic philosophy from being accepted by thinking 
minds. Suppose that spiritualists should attempt to ex- 
plain all the visions of snakes, beasts and "creeping things'' 
that were said to have been seen by seers in ancient 
times, and claim them to have been simply elementaries 
playing their pranks upon poor weak humanity in that 
age. If the elementary spirits can do what human spir- 
its cannot, why give them this undeveloped name? 
Why not call them Gods and end the controversy ? No 
question but what the spirit world's inhabitants are ex- 
ceedingly in earnest, and if they cannot be recognized 
in a sensible way, they will make the very "stones cry 
out," and intelligent persons will see things in different 
ways and forms, and will change their views as sights 
are presented to them from the spirit world ; and they 
will vacillate from one view to another until the public 
will lose confidence in them, while they may be honest 
in what they advocate or see. This may be one of the 
ways designed by the spirits to attract attention to the 
subject and their identity, and when once recognized by 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 51 

the world at large, their diabolical work will have served 
their purpose. 

We have no doubt that much of the success or mis- 
fortune that exists to-day is largely the effects produced 
from the spirit world. 

While this lecture was being delivered, a Baptist min- 
ister in Boston who was educated for the stage, argued 
that miracles were not suspended. "The form is only 
changed. You are God's instruments, and you can 
work miracles." 

If both of these men agree and are not mistaken, and 
sunshine and storms and also trees and fruit can be pro- 
duced at the word of mortal command, thus overreach- 
ing natural law as understood ; does it seem possible or 
probable that God would see his creatures suffer for ma- 
terial want, especially if they are ignorant but worthy? 
The severe storms and hurricanes that sweep from one 
end of the country to the other, also the thunder and 
lightning are as much a "miracle" to many persons as 
spirit manifestations are to others. No doubt but what 
all these are produced by natural law and capable of ex- 
planation in a limited extent by the finite mind. 



MIND READING, PSYCHOMETRY AND 
CLAIRVOYANCE. 

Mind reading of late has received the attention of 
the learned savans ; exhibitions have been given in differ- 
ent sections of the country through the instrumentality 
of different individuals ; articles have been secreted by 
some one in the audience and found by them while they 



52 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

were closely blindfolded. Tests of this kind have been 
common amongst the spiritualists for the past twenty 
five years, with the mesmerists and clairvoyants a much 
longer space of time. 

It is astonishing that the popular . mind has but just 
been awakened to the fact that such a gift exists in hu- 
man life : many persons consider the gift miraculous, 
but we cannot see it to be but stepping stones to a more 
extended knowledge in regard to mind, spirit and mat- 
ter, and governed by natural laws. The miraculous 
should be lost sight of, and this natural gift utilized for 
the benefit of mankind. The imperfections existing in 
the reliability of the gift to-day are not in the law itself, 
but in the individuals possessing and receiving the gift. 

JPsychometry is another gift akin or the same as mind 
reading and clairvoyance. Persons possessing the gift 
can read individuals' life, thoughts, actions, and can de- 
tect by a letter, lock of hair, hand writing or often by 
an article of clothing the character, peculiarities and 
chemical forces of the individual. Some persons are so 
well unfolded in this direction that the name spoken is suf- 
ficient to get in rapport with them. We have seen the 
power or gift tested in many cases, and have no hesita- 
tion in pronouncing it a fixed fact beyond controversy. 
The gift like every thing else, is beneficial when put to 
its legitimate use. Doubtless the gift is resorted to in 
cases that have proven unreliable and detrimental, but 
the gift should not be condemned by those who acknow- 
ledge its existence, but should be investigated and made 
more practical and perfected. Fire, water, magnetism 
and electricity are agents in man's possession, and if util- 
ized will bless humanity, but if put to uses contrary to 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 53 

reason they will become injurious in their effects. If 
the gift of psychometry was more known and recognized 
it would become a valuable agent in selecting men to 
fill responsible positions ; it also would be resorted to 
by individuals contemplating marriage, showing the 
chemical adaptation of forces as well as fitness of tem- 
perament. The injury originates, if any, in the abuse 
of the gift ; we cannot separate it from spiritual laws, 
the difference being only in the form of the manifesta- 
tions. 

Spirits dwelling in the material form are seen by clair- 
voyants at a distance, and it is often claimed by mediums 
that they are controlled by them to give communications, 
also that they go to a distance and heal the sick. We do 
not pretend to give the law governing this phase of spirit 
control, but cannot doubt the frequency of the fact, that 
is if human testimony can be relied upon. We are sat- 
isfied that spirits embodied in materiality can travel, but 
to what extent cannot state with any degree of certainty. 

We are informed from a reliable source that a spirit 
purported to control a medium for several years, giving 
reliable and valuable advice : afterwards it was ascer- 
tained that the spirit was living in his material form. 
No doubt a spirit, knowing the confidence that these la- 
dies had in the individual, was induced to assist them 
in the way described, under the cover of their friend's 
name. 

Spirits in some cases show wisdom in not leading or 
deciding positive, but will suggest or assist. A case 
came under our knowledge where a person pleaded with 
their spirit friends to advise concerning a business tran- 
saction, but without avail. The person afterwards ex- 



54 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

ercised her reason and acted therefrom, the spirit friends 
rejoicing to think that individuality had not been given 
up. Without doubt the highest mission of spirits is to 
suggest, comfort and assist, and not to dictate and com- 
mand in relation to the work that belongs to the mun- 
dane spheres of life. Spirits often warn us of danger 
and of enemies, save us from suffering, but we should 
not lose our individuality and self-sustaining power by 
constantly seeking spirit advice. 

Well informed spiritualists know that spirits can and 
do deceive at times through honest meaning mediums, 
either to psychologize the mediums and make them do 
the act, or else do it by a law not yet fully understood. 
Absolute test conditions have been placed upon some of 
the mediums who have always been considered honest 
and reliable, and absolute proofs have been discovered 
that deceiving was done by some one. This being ac- 
knowledged by spiritualists themselves gives the skeptic 
a chance to ask "What is the good of spiritualism, or 
what reliance can be placed upon it ?" The question 
might with equal propriety be asked "What is the use 
of life, or of some injurious things that exist in the ma- 
terial life" ? Sensitives who are passive or psychological 
subjects are not fit persons to get at facts in either sjjhere 
of life. The great difficulty to find where the fault lies 
is evident to all who have investigated life's forces. We 
know that spirits follow the investigator from one medi- 
um to another, and can lead astray as well as aright ; 
also the spirit friends of the skeptic or rogue can prevent 
the medium from giving a word of truth in relation to 
their movements, or of their discovering the facts in re- 
lation to their actions : often rogues get the most flatter- 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 55 

ing encomiums as to character and good deeds. If these 
are facts is it strange that some persons in their ignorance 
shrink from the doctrine, and is there not a great neces- 
sity for the public to know how much the spirit philos- 
ophy claims? 

There are but few individuals living in mundane 
spheres that realize to any great extent the spirit life in all 
its varied unfoldments, neither will they until they reach 
that life, and experience teaches them. Some persons 
think that there is to be a universal lanjma^e on earth, 
but we cannot see that such a language is to be realized 
until mankind reach spirit life. Spiritualists have great 
consolation in advocating their philosophy, as their op- 
ponents belong to the "don't know" stripe. Asking 
them a few questions puts them to flight, or they cover 
themselves with "I don't know." For instance, ask 
them what positive proof they have that they exist be- 
yond the change "death," or where the spirit goes at 
death ; invariably they answer through faith they believe, 
not that they have a knowledge ; their answer being 
vague and uncertain. Generally your room is more de- 
sirable than your presence, when you question upon such 
vital subjects, which should affect all humanity. 

Spiritualists are often asked the following question : 
"Why do not the ancient spirits that lived centuries ago 
visit earth more frequently?" We will answer from 
our stand-point. We look upon spirit life as being eter- 
nally progressive, and when spirits outgrow material 
conditions or spheres, they pass on to more exalted con- 
ditions or spheres, seldom returning except it be in trans- 
mitting thoughts or influences to those who have not 
grown or arrived at their present growth. Individuals 



56 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

standing high in office in material life seldom do much 
work physically, but those standing in positions under 
them are the active workers. It seems a rational solu- 
ution that spirits go on in their progression, being born 
to higher conditions daily as desire and fitness warrant, 
just as do individuals who have grown to understanding 
and power in mundane spheres of life, their influence 
being felt through their agents. 

o o o 

If all spirit communications proved true and reliable, 
they and the mediums would be worshipped as idols ; it 
would destroy the general interpretation and acknow- 
ledged philosophy of all well informed spiritualists ; also 
it would take away the use of reason and judgment : in 
fact it could not be accepted by thinking minds ; the in- 
formation must be as reliable or unreliable as the spirits 
are that give the information, and no more so. 

Spiritualism being a verity, it is time that advanced 
spiritualists should assume the position o^i^ositive know- 
ledge as far as the fact itself, and not to be constantly 
seeking tests and signs, but to accept them when they 
do come, the same as we accept anything else where 
reason is exercised. 

Continually seeking tests and advice from spirits 
makes individuals vacillating and undecided in action ; 
the truthfulness of spiritualism being settled , it now re- 
quires individuals to act with the knowledge obtained 
in a practical manner : tests and the different mani- 
festations are more to convince skeptics and honest in- 
vestigators than for the full acknowledged believers. 
Millions of individuals in this country as well as other 
countries, some of them the most gifted in all branches 
of professions, have made public acknowledgment that 



AND SriEIT MAGNETISM. 57 

the manifestations are from an invisible, intelligent 
source, that there is no accounting for in reason outside 
of the philosophy of spiritualism. 

The most progressive ministers in all denominations 
are in the ranks of believers ; the Trinitarian Congre- 
gationalists, as well as other denominations are at the 
present time preaching the philosophy as being their 
own, while doctrines as formerly taught, the two would 
be as different as light is from darkness. 

The most influential scientists have recently become 
shining lights in the way of defending spiritualism as 
being a scientific fact in nature. Mediums and their 
works have been like magnets to attract great minds to 
the subject, and to-day its teachings are looked upon in 
an entirely different light from what they were when but 
few dared face the public with what seemed such an ab- 
surd doctrine. It also comes in a time when it is very 
much needed, and solves many heretofore seeming mys- 
teries and problems in human life. It demonstrates to 
a certainty what no other form of religious belief does, 
which is a knowledge, not simply a belief and faith in a 
future life for all mankind, also an individuality after 
the material change "death" ; it proves that the spirit 
world and its laws are natural and essential, instead of 
something to be obtained by belief or lost by unbelief. 
It disabuses individuals of the sectarian idea of an imag- 
inary Heaven and Hell, located they know not where, 
but still pretend to know the workings of both places, 
also what will be the future results in case persons do 
not accept their limited sectarian views of the two local- 
ities, and the requisite conditions antl belief to obtain 
them. 



58 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

Spiritualism shows death to be as natural as birth and 
the same thing, the former to be birth into spirit life ; the 
one just as essential to complete the full programme of 
life as the other, therefore when properly understood 
"robs death of its sting." Death which was considered 
dark and dismal, but is known to be universal to all, is 
but the gate of change, which leads to higher unfold- 
ment of human existence. It also reveals the fact that 
every deed or act, good or bad, is a part of the individu- 
al's life's history, and cannot be repented of only in 
growth or unfoldment to higher conditions of life. Ev- 
ery individual must stand or fall on their own individu- 
al self development, or in other words at spirit birth 
they will be unmasked and all that is false or good will 
be seen by themselves as do spiritually developed me- 
diums see them while standing in their presence. Some 
mediums can penetrate beyond the psychological power 
of persons living in the mundane sphere of life and can 
read life's actions, habits, and motives as they would an 
open book. Spiritualism shows that all forms of worship 
and belief that do not conform to natural law and truth 
are transient and temporary, and must pass away and give 
place to those that unite the past with the present, and 
of necessity continue the link of union with the future. 
Spiritual gifts are for all ages and all people without re- 
spect to nationality, sex or color ; equality in the future 
being the order with all persons, where capacity and con- 
ditions are equal. Persons capable of understanding 
life in this manner will see harmony and law running 
through all life and things, and will try to be practical 
in their own conditions and become acting, living mon- 
uments to the uplifting of all humanity. 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 59 

This doctrine recognises but one authority, but ap- 
preciates greatness, but not in a tyrannical manner ; it 
being founded on the laws of the universe, all must ad- 
mit it sooner or later ; it also shows that all that exists 
does so from its causes, which changes as the causes are 
removed or outgrown ; that "heaven" or "hell" are with- 
in each individual and not in a fixed locality ; harmony 
and contentment in our own conditions and surround- 
ings makes "heaven," the reverse of it makes "hell" ; both 
spheres of life are subject to these rules and changes. 
Spiritualism being a fixed fact and the foundation of life, 
it cannot change its base even if those believing in it 
differ in understanding it ; the abuse of spiritual gifts 
is more from ignorance and want of spiritual growth in 
the persons exercising them, than from any other cause. 
Knowledge will harmonize all differences, the fault not 
being in the philosophy itself, but in mankind not living 
up to the highest development that their being is capa- 
ble of being unfolded into ; persons should not be 
alarmed by undeveloped spirits in either sphere of life, 
neither should they attempt to war with them ; the up- 
lifting of the lower to the higher must be evident to all 
thinking minds, to be the true mission of life, therefore 
that of spiritualism. 

No doubt but what unprincipled skeptics have attempt- 
ed to destroy the influence when sitting with a medium 
or have done something to bring the medium into bad 
repute ; for instance at a public gathering they could un- 
beknown to any one but themselves drop articles^ that 
would be picked up by others, and then the cry would 
be fraud ; the mediums would have no way of proving 
their innocence until test conditions were applied to them. 



60 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

We desire to be just, therefore give this information 
that mediums may not be considered exposed without 
positive proofs are discovered. 

Selfishness is a lower condition of life than unselfish- 
ness, and whe,n it does not take on the form of mean- 
ness, it is somewhat essential to material spheres of 
existence, in supporting and caring for self, family and 
the unfortunates that are in the community ; hoarding 
of money for miserly purposes is but an earth mistake, 
which the spirit life corrects. 

We look upon spirit life as typical of material life, 
divested ofdeception and hypocrisy ; the material body 
is exchanged for the spiritual or is thrown aside, the 
spiritual one appearing of its own necessity, it being the 
natural order of the change of forms of life on towards 
completeness, with likes, dislikes, attractions and repul- 
sions the same, the only difference being what the ma- 
terial body attracts or repulses of itself, the spirit being 
the same in both spheres, enjoying in degree, depending 
entirely upon the way it lives, and the capacity to over- 
come and resist temptations that are injurious to itself. 

Spirit healing the highest mode or treat- 
ment. It may be interesting to some persons to know 
why we compiled and wrote the following named books, 
which we will describe. In the year 1870 our attention 
was called by Dr. J. R. Newton, the renowned healer, 
to the book entitled "Mental Cure," by the inspired 
writer Eev. W. F. Evans. The Dr. spoke of this work 
as excelling anything that he had ever read, which il- 
lustrated the power of the mind over disease. We ob- 
tained a copy and found its philosophy to be in many 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 61 

ways our own experiences, therefore applicable in our 
own practice to a certain extent ; the philosophy of life 
was clearly and intelligently explained in theory ; the 
practical workings did not seem as definite for magnet- 
ists as they were for psychologists. 

We were at that time treating disease by the Vital 
Magnetic Cure process. The Mental Cure book being 
beyond the understanding of the general reader, spiritual 
experience and much interior growth must be obtained, 
cither by sickness, trials or experience before the book 
could be appreciated ; but it being high in tone and aim 
we felt moved upon to extend its sphere of usefulness. 
We recommended it to persons that we thought would 
appreciate it, having introduced many copies before be- 
coming personally acquainted with the author ; in the 
meantime compiled a treatise or text-book, giving con- 
ditions, rules and laws for applying the natural forces, 
such as spirit, magnetic and electric to the removal of 
disease. Our object was to put into practical use what 
the Mental Cure book had defined in theory. 

May 5 1871 we addressed the following questions to 
the spirit that first convinced us of the truth of spiritu- 
alism, "Will the treatise I am about to publish be a 
success and do much good to humanity ?" The letter 
being closely sealed, the medium's hand in my presence 
was mechanically controlled and wrote the following an- 
swer, which was written back-handed and from right to 
left, "I am glad to see that you reverence the beautiful 
philosophy of the spirit unfoldment — glad to see that 
you endeavor to impress those around you with liberal 
ideas. You are by so doing receiving a great amount 



62 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

of spirit magnetism — magnetism that soon will unfold 
to you other gifts. 

"You will in the treatise you intend to publish meet 
with success. Yes, it will do much good ; it will bene- 
fit mankind generally. I see around you many bright 
and pure spirits, spirits that can and will, through your 
organism, make many afflicted souls happy, give relief 
to the many ills that flesh is heir to. Continue on with 
the holy work." 

We dedicated the treatise to the progressive physicians 
of the nineteenth century, as it deals with principles and 
laws that belong to all individuals, as far as they under- 
stand and can utilize them. The rules given in the Vital 
Magnetic Cure book are as full and explicit as they can 
be made practical to different individuals. In compiling 
the work we investigated and read all available books 
that treated upon the subject ; also obtained from spirit 
intelligences knowledge that has been demonstrated as 
practical, in our own and many others' experiences and 
practice. We found that animal magnetism, psycholo- 
gy, mesmerism, clairvoyance and psychic force was 
clearly defined, but there seemed to be a step beyond, 
which needed more general information. 

Much that goes for spirit magnetic treatment is psy- 
chological influence. The public should know that there 
is a difference between them. Some persons have much 
healing force, who have but little or no psychological 
power of their own ; others have psychological power 
but lack the healing element, and often unconsciously 
impart it to the patient, which has to be broken away 
from, if detrimental, before a cure can be effected ; and 
many times the sickness is simply the results of a psy- 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 63 

chological power that is not beneficial. We have never 
thought it wisdom to attempt to hold psychological con- 
trol of the minds of patients, except when unbalanced; 
we have in such cases found more lasting benefit by 
changing the system chemically, than by the use of the 
will power alone. In unfoldment of spiritual gifts it 
seems wrong to me to use a will power upon the sub- 
ject. Many persons have no spiritual gifts that can be 
unfolded, even if they desire them ever so much ; and 
it seems a waste of time to try, as it does in attempting 
to learn children to sing, play, draw, and to develop 
other attainments in those who have no natural talent 
in that direction. 

AVc have been more particularly drawn to the subject 
of spirit or vital magnetism, therefore have endeavored 
to harmonize what has previously been discovered, with 
what is so well demonstrated in the present time under 
the name of spirit forces. There is not a magnetizer, 
healer or clairvoyant of any degree of experience, but 
what acknowledges the law, conditions and suggestions 
made in this treatise to be correct from facts and princi- 
ples. 

In the work we connected the link of the chain that 
binds the past with the present, giving the experiences 
(from history) of different persons who have exercised 
their gifts, commencing as far back as Elijah and Elisha, 
and on to Mesmer's time, giving the French Commis- 
sioners' report, Benjamin Franklin being one of the num- 
ber. Persons in every age express their own views, 
conclusions and experiences. 

We take no credit of having discovered new laws or 



64 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

any new power, but the general conclusions and sug- 
gestions in the treatise may be new to many. 

When modern spiritualism became known it brought 
with it a solution of animal magnetism, psychology, 
mesmerism, spirit magnetism and magic which har- 
monizes the past with the present, and shows that it 
must continue on to more perfection, thus proving the 
words of Jesus to be true, where it states in the four- 
teenth chapter of John that spirit magnetic healing had 
not advanced to its highest state of perfection. It is 
not supernatural but natural, and can be cultivated when 
latent in the individual. 

Many of the old school practitioners are acknowledg- 
ing the beneficial results from the use of vital magnetism ; 
others who are bigoted are endeavoring in all ways to 
stop its use ; making laws that make it a criminal of- 
fence, or imposing a fine upon those who dare to use it. 
We cannot see any cause for alarm on the part of true 
principled magnetists, but with the old school practi- 
tioners do see a shaking among the "dry bones." 

Doubtless spirit healing will be one of the most use- 
ful phases of the spiritual philosophy, and be the means 
of drawing the public to the practical benefits of the sub- 
ject. Once convinced that spiritualism is a verity, the 
next work is to utilize it for the benefit of mankind. 

It has been suggested that magnetists and clairvoy- 
ants should organize as do other medical practitioners, 
grant diplomas etc. We see no gain to be derived from 
such a movement, as there are no body of individuals 
capable of taking such a responsibility ; diplomas must 
come from nature, which is in adapted individual organ- 
isms ; mankind cannot limit or grant the power, neither 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 65 

can it be bought or sold. It is beyond the power of in- 
stitutions made by men. Persons possessing the gifts 
cannot be prevented, for any length of time, from using 
them in this country when occasion and duty requires. 

A law to prevent unprincipled persons from obtaining 
money by false pretences and deception now exists in 
most of the States, and can be applied in all professions 
and trades, which is proper and commendable. 

The design of this treatise being to make the public 
better acquainted with what can and is being done by 
the use of the subtle forces, and to show the laws and 
conditions requisite for their practical use, also to show 
that there is nothing in exercising the forces to be 
ashamed of, or in individuals employing healers when 
sick in this age, more than there was in the past. 

The work is adapted alike to both operator and pa- 
tient : the sick and well need to know life's laws and 
their effects. Much suffering is prevented by knowing 
the laws : many persons doctor themselves sick, never 
attempting to know the laws of health. 

After a practice of more than four years since it was 
written, we see no reason to change the statements there- 
in made, they being satisfactorily demonstrated daily. 
Within a short time several purported "renowned" spirits 
have given their views in relation to vital magnetism, 
which fully corroborate with the facts published in the 
book four years previous : thus showing that this work is 
reliable, and that we were in harmony with them, or that 
the spirits err in judgment and have been biased by the 
mundane sphere. 

There exists without a doubt, a vitalizing spirit force 
in nature, that can be utilized for the benefit of the sick 



66 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

and afflicted ; individuals possessing the gift to do good 
should have the benefit to the patient more prominent 
than the hoarding of money from the use of their gifts. 

The treatise takes the positive spiritual stand-point ; 
other works had failed to give a spiritual interpretation 
either from policy or otherwise. Some of the individ- 
uals are using spiritual gifts and deny their master, or 
will not acknowledge that they are assisted by spirits or 
spirit forces, and when questioned upon the subject re- 
fuse to use the word spirit, while they at the same time 
are controlled or go to those who are under spirit guid- 
ance, and ask of them counsel. 

If spirit is superior and more potent than materiality, 
why should we be ashamed to acknowledge its existence 
or its use ? Spirit magnetism does not perform mira- 
cles, neither does it make the old young, except to feel 
so in spirit ; or prevent the change "death" coming to 
all persons alike, in the onward inarch of time. 

The human system is continually chang- 
ing ; magnetism that will assist to-day may not to-mor- 
row, but may in the future. In ancient times healers 
were persecuted and questioned for healing on the sab- 
bath day, but in this generation there is no particular 
day which is universally considered sacred by all nations 
and people. Every day in the week is considered a 
sabbath day or day of rest by some nation or sect of 
people, and is as sacred to them as other days are to 
other religious organizations ; therefore • we have come 
to the conclusion that all days are equally sacred, but 
that it is wisdom and advisable to devote one particular 
day in seven for a day of rest and instruction, and it 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 67 

would be better to have all people fix upon the same 
day, that one sect may not disturb the others. The 
Bible record does not show that healers and religious 
teachers had titles attached to their names, neither were 
they educated under any particular form of religious be- 
lief, or at any renowned institution of learning. They 
did not use chemicals, stimulants or artificial means to 
unfold their spiritual gifts ; the power came upon them 
unsought and when least expected. Adaptation and 
preparation as to conditions, and in coming in rapport 
with individuals who possessed spiritual gifts quickened 
the latent forces in persons who possessed it naturally, 
but in a dormant state. It must be evident that the 
same law works in this age in degree. The only trouble 
with mankind has been to look to the past for the whole 
truth, instead of the present for its share. 

There are many reasons to-day why spirit magnetism 
is unpopular, and prejudice exists with the unthinking 
mind. First there are persons favored with the "gift of 
healing," who are using it successfully under other 
names (sugar coated,) therefore no credit is given to its 
true origin ; others are palming off the use of sponge 
baths, inhalation, chemical batteries etc., all no doubt 
good in their place and time, and often work in harmo- 
ny, but should be credited to their own mode of treat- 
ment, rather than be styled magnetic healing ; second, 
many finding it an easy way of getting into business 
without capital, put up their sign and style themselves 
"Dr." and commencing practice without experience, and 
perhaps half developed and with very little power, but 
much assurance, and in some cases performing cures. 
This gives them encouragement, and they go on and at 



68 AN EPITOME OP SPIRITUALISM 

times live a life which is objectionable to good society, 
thus bringing disgrace upon the noble cause they are 
engaged in. The unthinking public look upon these 
undeveloped actions and forget the cures made, and con- 
demn the entire system of practice. Many, no doubt, 
are engaged without power trying to get a living in 
healing the sick, who doubtless could serve humanity 
better if they were engaged in a calling more fitted to 
their growth and adaptation. Also there are many who 
possess the gift of healing who will not use it on account 
of its being unpopular, and in the hands of the unedu- 
cated and unprincipled in some cases. 

It should be distinctly understood that no two healers' 
forces are alike, and no two can work alike. What one 
can do another may or may not, and that each person 
engaged in the work should stand or fall upon his or her 
individual merits, and be judged from their acts and 
works individually, just the same as it is with the "reg- 
ular" practice of medicine. Some are gifted, others less 
so. In this acknowledgment it only shows that the law 
and mode of practice is not at fault, but the blame, if 
any, is in the persons engaged in a work that they are 
not fitted to fill. The power should be acknowledged 
by all who possess it, also be cultivated by a class of in- 
dividuals who are honest and willing to work for hu- 
manity "for the good they can do" more than to have 
money the first and last motive. 

The object of these last remarks is to show a class of 
persons who possess the power and are ashamed to use 
it, that the law and system of practice itself is all right, 
but the fault is with the individuals engaged in the 
work, also to encourage good persons to "covet the best 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 69 

gifts" and make the system of practice what it should 
be, respectable and above all, useful ; then will medi- 
cal men, and also those who make our laws not only 
be obliged to acknowledge it, but protect those engaged 
in the practice, and place it upon an equal footing with 
other modes of medical treatment, that dare not compete 
with it. 

The same remarks will apply with equal force to oth- 
er spiritual gifts and their use. It should be understood 
that philosophy and speculative theories about the use 
of spiritual gifts are all very well, but without the power 
but little beneficial results will follow. 

Magnetized paper and other materials as a vehicle 
for transmitting spirit or vital magnetic force to patients 
at a distance is without question a fixed fact in the laws 
of life which has in the past and present been demon- 
strated fully to the minds of many persons. It is strange 
how individuals can believe that Paul magnetized hand- 
kerchiefs etc. in his day, and healed the sick at a dis- 
tance, and doubt living witnesses who know the power 
still exists to-day. 

Doubtless disease and inharmony can be transmitted 
in the same manner that the healing element is imparted, 
each person sending their own peculiar forces, differing 
in quality, as the persons differ in their elements, attrac- 
tions and mode of living, who impart the forces. 

Without question persons who are spiritually unfold- 
ed in their being, and have adapted organisms, are the 
most successful in making cures by this mode of treat- 
ment. Persons may send "magnetic paper" who have 
little or no power for healing the sick, and if the public 



70 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

are not better informed concerning the difference, the 
world will be filled with "magnetized paper" and thereby 
bring reproach upon this system of practice. 

A sensitive lady remarked to me thus : "I should be 
afraid to use magnetized paper prepared by those I know 
nothing of their mode of life or influence." The remarks 
spoke volumes to us, and gives our views in relation to 
this form of treatment, which is precisely the same as it 
is with personal treatment by different magnetizers. 
We could cite most wonderful cures produced by vital- 
ized paper and letters, but refrain as the public is not 
ready to accept them. 

We have known infant children to be cured at a dis- 
tance by the use of vital magnetized paper. This takes 
it beyond the realms of mind, faith or imagination, and 
establishes it as a potential healing force that is conveyed 
by the paper. Faith may assist in producing better 
conditions with some persons, but after all the subtle 
poAver exists, independent of faith. 

The spirit healing element differs from animal magnet- 
ism, psychological force and the rubbing process, vari- 
ous religious sects calling it by different names, such as 
"prayer cure", using ointment and words in the name 
of Jesus ; others use "holy water" and prepared "wa- 
fers." Doubtless all of these are means used to harmon- 
ize and give faith to the patient, producing conditions 
that the intelligent invisibles may come in better rapport 
with the patient that they may use the healing element 
in nature, which differs in each operator and patient as 
they are prepared to receive, and all of the different 
modes of spirit healing originate from spirits and the 
spirit world, whether publicly admitted or not. 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 71 

Persons who take an interest in the philosophy of 
health and the cure of disease should investigate the sub- 
ject personally. 

We had no sooner finished Vital Magnetic Cure book 
than there seemed to be another work for us, and could 
not feel at rest until we had written and compiled anoth- 
er book which we entitled "Nature's Laws in Human 
Life, an Exposition of Spiritualism." Perhaps "Spiritu- 
alism on Trial" would have been a more appropriate title, 
and have expressed its mission better. We took the 
position that spiritualism being natural and a verity, it 
was capable of being demonstrated, and no fear from the 
clearest and closest investigation and criticism ; desiring 
to be fair and honest in seeking after truth, and in this 
way knew of no better way than to collate distinguished 
individuals' opinions, pro and con, who had expressed 
their views upon the subject, and place these opinions in 
one book, that the reader might get at the different 
views entertained, and in this way come to a clearer un- 
derstanding than it was possible to obtain by reading 
but one side of the subject. We knew that spiritualism 
must stand or fall upon its own merits, therefore with- 
out fear or favor wrote and compiled the work named. 

This treatise takes up the law of mediumship, the con- 
ditions requisite for unfoldment or development, as far 
as the most advanced minds have proven to be practical ; 
also the reliability of communications, seances or circles, 
their formation, and the rules and laws to obtain mani- 
festations ; also quotations from the Bible, which proves 
spiritualism to be the key that explains the seeming 
mysteries contained therein. 



72 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

Conclusions are drawn upon the social question that 
has foisted itself upon spiritualism proper. We have 
left the subject an open question, that the readers might 
sit in judgment as jurors, taking the testimony brought 
to bear on the question as evidence pro and con. 

Individuals must settle this question for themselves ; 
it is worse than folly to attempt to make converts against 
their convictions ; persons must feel it to be a truth be- 
fore they can in sincerity say "I do believe." Evidence 
given by others is not as convincing as when it comes 
personally to self. 

When we hear persons repeat over the tests that have 
been given to others, it does not have the weight of ev- 
idence that it does when a person says I have seen such 
and such things for myself, and I know what I am talk- 
ing or writing about from personal knowledge. Other 
persons' testimony may do to corroborate what we have 
witnessed. Persons who have been fully satisfied of its 
truthfulness should make charitable allowance for the 
honest skeptic. Most spiritualists in their first investi- 
gation were skeptical ; one well convinced spiritualist is 
worth a thousand of the vacillating, "milk and water" 
ones, who at times do not know whether they believe or 
not. Undecided opinions with its advocates does but lit- 
tle to convince the public that there is a reality beyond 
controversy. We sincerely believe that individuals who 
oppose spiritualism are warring against themselves, and 
in time will acknowledge that they were working against 
the author of their being and the law of life. 

This work has convinced persons who have never wit- 
nessed a manifestation or had a personal test, the evi- 
dence being more convincing in its favor than could be 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 73 

brought against it. The book is well adapted for a 
missionary work. 

Social Freedom an obstacle to Spiritualism. 
In the spring of 1874 our mind was particularly called 
to the "social freedom" doctrine, which seemed to take 
the principal interest of sph'itualists' meetings, and 
brought reproach and disgrace upon the true philosophy 
of the subject, as we understood it ; therefore we col- 
lated and published a twenty five cent pamphlet, con- 
taining all available evidence that favored la w and order, 
as well as a high state of morals and civilization in the 
social relations, and compared them with the freedomite 
teachings. 

The title of the pamphlet is "An Exposition of Social 
Freedom : Monogamic Marriage the highest development 
of Sexual Equality." The following criticism, from a 
prominent attorney-at-law, will give the reader some 
idea of the important character of this work : 

"I read the pamphlet with much interest, and I not 
only greatly admire the views, tone and sentiment, but 
I may truly say that there are indeed but very few ideas 
in the whole book that I do not concur in. I think the 
views enunciated in the pamphlet are practical, sensible, 
and wise ; the sentiment is healthy, the tone is catholic 
and charitable, and such as to commend it to all think- 
ing minds." 

The time is fast approaching when equality before the 
law will be recognized alike by male and female as far 
as practical : there never will come a time, as we see it, 
that all individuals will be equal in capacity and power. 
Every individual must fill their own position and work 



74 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

out their own destiny ; that which makes woman guilty 
makes man equally so. A man prostitute is no better 
than a woman prostitute ; it is only the opinions of the 
public that makes him appear so. When young girls 
are forced to submit to prostitution or be deprived of 
work, it is time that such employers are exposed and 
branded by public opinion as unworthy of respect or 
confidence ; thousands there be on the sensual plane of 
development, and who are paving the way to the down- 
fall of innocent victims. 

The fascinating doctrine of "social freedom" has some 
truth and much error, therefore it has without doubt 
caused much inharmony in the spiritualists' ranks, wreck- 
ing (for the time being) many well meaning persons, 
but as one extreme follows another, without question 
their better judgment will predominate and eradicate all 
false views concerning human life and its use and des- 
tiny. 

One of the radical Unitarian ministers of Boston in a 
late lecture made use of the following language in rela- 
tion to the creed of one of the self-claimed leaders of the 
"social freedom" doctrine, "It leads to irreligion, misan- 
thropy, murder and ruin." If such opinions are enter- 
tained against the teachings by those claiming to be 
radical, what can the conservative element think of 
them ? Words are cheap ; actions are what determine 
individuals' integrity and character. "The tree is known 
by his fruit." 

Doubtless much of the cause that produces inharmony 
in society at the present time is intermarriage with dif- 
ferent nationalities, the chemical elements and influen- 
ces being antagonistic. Time may harmonize all society, 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 75 

but while it is passing through the developing and 
spiritualizing process, inharmony must be the effect as 
« natural consequence. Such conditions should not be 
advocated as being superior to a higher growth. 

The public have looked upon spiritualism as being 
the father and mother of the "social freedom" doctrine. 
"We felt satisfied that it belonged to society in general, 
without regard to religious belief, and that the world 
should not mistake it for the teachings of spiritualism 
proper. 

Since publishing this work the editor of a paper de- 
voted to the advocacy of promiscuity or unrestrained 
passions, and the doing away with all man made laws 
to govern marriage, making society free and common, 
has defined "social freedom" in a way that no one of 
sense need err in its understanding. He accuses a lec- 
turer of not only preaching their doctrine, but practising 
it, stating what the acts are that constitute their phi- 
losophy, which is admitted by the individual, while at 
the same time he says he has seen his folly and aban- 
doned the mode of life. The paper contains comments 
upon the recantation, and rejoices to think that there 
may be in the future a prospect of his returning to his 
former mode of life, which he no doubt fell into while 
under a psychological delusion. What are such teach- 
ings but the advocacy of prostitution and promiscuity 
under another name ? 

Animals susceptible to spirit influence and 
diseases. Animals doubtless are affected by spirits and 
spirit influence ; our experience so far goes to show that 
dogs more than other animals are susceptible to spirit 



76 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

influence. It is said that the beast and hogs were con- 
trolled by spirits, in the past. Does not the same law 
hold good in the present? 

We could give many instances that have come under 
our personal observation that would warrant us in mak- 
ing the assertion, that it is a fact that cannot be over- 
thrown ; a few of them will suffice to establish it. 

Some more than two years ago a man well known in 
Boston passed on to spirit life ; he resided in a public 
building, occupied the only tenement at that time; his 
wife and son about fourteen years of age were the only 
persons that remained in the building the night after his 
departure. In the night they heard a noise in the entry 
leading to their tenement, they being timid did not go to 
the door ; in the morning they found a strange dog lying 
at the door of the room that contained the body of the 
husband and father. As soon as the door was opened 
the dog jumped about and seemed delighted, and showed 
as much rejoicing as was possible to manifest : he re- 
mained with them while they stopped in the building. 
The dog recognized persons who called upon them ; those 
who had selfish motives he would bark at, and behave en- 
tirely the opposite from what he did when persons called 
that had no pecuniary selfish interest, thus showing con- 
clusively that either the spirit of the husband and father, 
or some of his or their spirit friends were influencing the 
dog. 

They gave the dog away at several different times, 
but the dog would not leave them until they left the 
building, always returning as soon as set at liberty. 
They never saw the dog before that night, and it has 
been a mystery how he obtained an entrance to the build- 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 77 

ing. Pie has never been seen by them since. We saw 
the dosr and noticed its intelligent actions. 

Soon after leaving the city, the widow having occasion 
to visit it, on returning about nine o'clock in the even- 
ing she was met at the horse car by a large, noble look- 
ins: dos:. He seemed to recognize her and started off 
by her side, taking some of her clothing into his mouth. 
After seeing her safe to the door he passed on through 
the yard, she not seeing him since nor before that time. 
The lady called the family to the door to see the dog as 
he left the yard ; he proved to be a strange dog to them. 
Our information was obtained from the lady, who is re- 
liable ; she had no object in falsifying. 

Another case, a young man in Syracuse, N. Y. was 
thrown into the canal by another person while engaged 
in a quarrel, and was drowned. He had two pet dogs 
who would at times run and bark, and acted otherwise 
strangely. The mother and sister of the young man 
visited Moravia ; the son and brother appeared materi- 
alized, as life-like as though he had been in the material 
form. He spoke of the dogs, and how he influenced 
them to act in the manner described, which the mother 
acknowledged was truthful ; the medium was an entire 
stranger to the ladies and knew nothing of the dogs or 
their actions. 

We witnessed this and heard the conversation by the 
materialized young man, also the mother's acknowledg- 
ment. There were twenty other witnesses to the cir- 
cumstances ; there could not have been any deception 
or collusion practised between the parties. Mediums 
often see and describe dogs ; whether it be done by spirit 



78 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

friends, or the spirit of the dog presents itself is a ques- 
tion not fully settled with us. 

Still another case : a dog was lying down quietly 
while a conversation was going on between two persons, 
the subject being the peculiar actions of a medium while 
she was in the material form. The medium in question 
was eccentric in many ways, doing many things that 
well disciplined persons disapproved of ; whether the ac- 
tions were done by spirits controlling the medium or the 
acts originated with the medium herself is a question. 
At any rate they were acts to be discountenanced, let them 
originate in either sphere of life. We do not say that 
the medium was to blame ; there might have been ele- 
ments in her organism that attracted impractical unfor- 
tunate spirits, but to the facts in the case ; as soon as 
the discussion became animated, the dog commenced to 
Dark and behaved strangely. We ordered the dog to 
leave the room, at the same time advancing with a will 
towards him. He left for the rear part of the house, 
and when we had stated to the person that it was either 
the spirit of the medium or the spirits that influenced 
her while in the material body, that was causing the dog 
to become so boisterous, the dog became quieted and 
came back and laid himself down as he was at first ; 
thus establishing the fact to us of the power of spirits to 
control dogs. 

We had within one year broken the control that this 
medium had consciously or unconsciously thrown upon 
three different persons ; doubtless the control was bro- 
ken upon the dog in the same manner. 

With this medium it was difficult to distinguish wheth- 
er the injurious effect was performed by a controlling 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 79 

influence or done by her own spirit ; it does not seem wis- 
dom for spiritualists to approve of actions performed by 
these erratic, fanatical mediums or set them up as leaders 
worthy of imitation. Individuals having in their own 
natures and organisms idiosyncrasies, or who attract in- 
fluences of that nature, should be considered as unfor- 
tunates instead of benefactors. This explanation seems 
consistent with the true spiritual philosophy. Dogs are 
known to take upon themselves disease. An acquain- 
tance has had two dogs within a short time ; one of 
them died, the other is entirely changed in its forces ; 
formerly quiet, but now nervous and shows signs of dis- 
ease, and without doubt will share the fate of the other ; 
the owner of them improving in health as the dogs sick- 
en. This shows that disease as well as influences can 
be imparted to dogs. 

Influences and disease imparted to children. 
Children playing together often transmit or partake of 
influences from one another ; for instance, a beautiful 
quiet child eighteen months of age was playing with one 
three years of age ; the latter was boisterous and excit- 
able ; would jump and scream, in fact the parents could 
not control him. As soon as the two children came to- 
gether, the quiet one became as restless and boisterous 
in proportion to its age as the other. It is now more 
than two years since the children first met ; the excited 
state continues, the parents being much exercised over 
the child's actions, and are satisfied that the first cause 
of the excitement was the influence imparted or trans- 
mitted from the excited child ; the child is uncommonly 
bright and promising ; with this exception she would be 



80 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

considered quite remarkable in her growth of develop- 
ment. 

We will quote another case of what might be called 
obsession, a negative mediumistic lady who had incura- 
ble consumption fastened upon her ; while under the 
influence of some unruly spirit she would threaten her 
attendants, and talk in a rough swearing manner to 
those who visited her ; after the influence had left her 
she would cry and feel mortified to think that she had 
been made an instrument of such undeveloped influences. 
"We were called to visit the lady, and with one magnetic 
treatment the influence was dispossessed, and months 
afterwards she passed to spirit life as peacefully as one 
would in going to sleep, with no more trouble from the 
undeveloped spirit. We could relate many similar ca- 
ses, but this is sufficient to illustrate the points involved. 

Persons visiting low, undeveloped conditions or influ- 
ences take upon themselves these influences and will carry 
the influences to sensitives, they feeling and acting as 
the persons do who first impart them. A human being, 
an animal or a material substance can be the vehicle to 
transmit the influence to the sensitive. There are doubt- 
less influences that have not been individualized, that 
can be transmitted to sensitives, and much sorrow and 
injury created thereby. 

While in a western city a lady called on us with her 
son some ten years of age. She said that she had vis- 
ited physicians far and near to see if her son could not 
be benefited ; he had no teeth. We frankly informed 
her that the boy was not born natural, and that her mon- 
ey might benefit the plrysicians, but that they could not 
bring natural teeth into his jaw. She then related the 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 81 

circumstances connected with her while the child was 
passing through ante-natal life. Her dentist called her 
into his office to see a young man without teeth ; it 
proved to be her milkman, and every morning on seeing 
him, the toothless jaw would appear to her in imagina- 
tion, and when her boy was born he had precisely such 
a toothless jaw as the young man had. This is proof 
positive that impressions can be imparted to the mother 
which does affect her unborn child. 

Last summer we met an old man of seventy eight 
years of age, who was remarkably active and healthy; 
he gave a history of his birth and life, which was inter- 
esting and useful to the world ; therefore in this connec- 
tion we place it before the public, that others may profit 
by it. He was the youngest of ten children ; the parents 
and the rest of the children found an early grave by the 
disease consumption. His theory was that while all the 
rest of the children partook of nourishment from the 
mother, he was brought up on cow's milk, therefore did 
not partake of the mother's disease. This case speaks 
volumes to the fact of partaking of disease by nourish- 
ment. 

Sorrow, grief and disease can be transmitted to others 
by and through the law of sympathy. No question but 
what birds are influenced by human spirits. 

If any part of the human organism is diseased, it af- 
fects other parts ; anything that disturbs mind or body 
affects the life forces of the entire system, and disease is 
generated thereby ; therefore individuals of a sensitive 
nature cannot be too careful of their surroundings, es- 
pecially when amongst conflicting elements. Our object 
at this time is to 6how to the public that spiritualists do 



82 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

not claim that the lives of mediums in this age are bet- 
ter or worse than they were in Bible times, that is with- 
out their acts show the fact. The law is one and the 
same thing in all ages, let it be good, bad or indifferent ; 
it is not for us to find fault with the law, but it is for 
us to see that proper use is made of the laws governing 
us and others, and not abuse them. Doubtless there 
are many claiming to be spirit mediums who have not 
sufficient power or development to meet the demands of 
skeptics, or even of the full believer ; others who do 
not seem to be of any benefit to themselves or the cause, 
and it would be far better for them and the cause if they 
were engaged in business more adapted to their growth 
and mode of living. Many of these advertise largely ; 
strangers to the cause call upon them and not getting 
satisfaction they go away, not knowing the difference be- 
tween the genuine and false or undeveloped mediums ; 
jump to a hasty conclusion, and pronounce the whole 
subject a humbug or a delusion, not even stopping to 
consider that there may be the true as well as the false. 
Mediums that are unfolded outside of seances or with- 
out any thought on their part, either through sickness 
or without any seeming exertion, are generally the most 
practical ; spirit gifts are often unfolded by spirits who 
do not use judgment, and often in individuals who do 
not know the first thing concerning the law of control. 
The M. Ds. in many cases not recognizing spirit con- 
trol, often suggest their confinement in an insane asylum. 
These being facts that are becoming quite frequent, it is 
time that the public should know all that there is to be 
known concerning the highly important subject of me- 
diumship and its effects and laws. "Many spirit medi- 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 83 

urns are called but few are chosen." The reason must 
be evident to all who are well informed and know the 
lack of knowledge in the laws governing the entire 
subject. 

Many mediums become impractical in all their move- 
ments, therefore do not succeed in using their gifts. It 
does not seem advisable for individuals to abandon ma- 
terial labor until they are prepared for the spiritual work. 
Some mediums that are in the field, that of labor, are not 
so from choice and the good they can do, but because 
they cannot find any other employment that is as profit- 
able with the same amount of capital invested. If such 
are the facts the spirits are obliged to do their work, al- 
so control the mediums against their will, which makes 
unfavorable conditions. With all the wild schemes that 
have been foisted upon spiritualism proper, it still moves 
on with a steady gradual growth, its foundation stones 
being facts and truths, it must continue on to more per- 
fection. 

The local papers to-day do not condemn the entire 
subject for the individual acts of its believers, and often 
spiritualists are to blame, as in the following instance. 
A skeptical editor in Bangor, Maine, visited the seance 
of a noted medium. He wrote several questions direc- 
ted to spirits in the form. No response came ; this 
made it a grand test, convincing him that the medium 
did not make it. As soon as the medium and his friends 
discovered that he had been trifling, as they termed it, 
they became offended, thus destroying all the good effect 
that had been accomplished in this case. There is no 
fixed way to "convert" all people, and it is much the 
better way to let every one come into the "fold" in their 



84 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

own way and good time. Doubtless persons may be 
true, good and honest, at the same time have erroneous 
views in regard to the future life, and the means of ob- 
taining it : a great work has been accomplished within 
a few years in establishing this fact. Spiritualists have 
been considered inconsistent by some persons, therefore 
we print the following items for the purpose of showing 
the public that the tables can be turned. 

Church prejudice. — Bible in Public Schools. 
A case of religious bigotry occurred during the last 
war, which we mention for the purpose of illustrating. 
In the city of Philadelphia the evangelical churches uni- 
ted in sanitary organization to assist in caring for the 
sick and wounded soldiers, and without doubt done a 
noble work ; the spiritualists offered their services as cit- 
izens and were willing to work with them, but were 
rejected on account of their religious belief. We hap- 
pened to be in the city at the time and called on one of 
the ministers ; his wife speaking of the good that the 
organization was doing, also alluded to spiritualists (not 
knowing that we were one) offering to join them in their 
christian work ; she thought they should not be allowed 
to work with them, etc. 

Dr. H. T. Child, the veteran spiritualist, organized 
an independent band composed of spiritualists, and pro- 
ceeded to the field of battle and bloodshed, performing 
a glorious, noble work. The soldiers have reason to be 
thankful to this band of spiritualists for the care and at- 
tention rendered them during their great need. 

Doubtless to-day such bigotry would not be shown in 
such a case of need, spiritualism having become more 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 85 

popular. Both the minister and his wife are now inhab- 
itants of spirit life where they have doubtless discovered 
that dogmas, creeds and ceremonies are non-essentials 
with them in their new home. 

The different evangelical churches jointly agree on 
Jesus' death and his atoning blood as the only way to 
obtain eternal life and happiness, and without this be- 
lief no one is saved, while at the same time there is no 
harmony between them. Certain dogmas some think 
essential, others do not : but of late they are endeavor- 
ing to work together on common ground, as they no 
doubt see that if they do not agree here they will not in 
spirit life. • If spiritualists were as inconsistent as they 
have been they might well be considered a credulous, 
deluded people. The following verse in the last chap- 
ter of St. Mark has caused much misunderstanding. 
"He that belie veth and is baptized shall be saved, but 
he that believeth not shall be damned." Believe what? 
The rest of the chapter states conclusive and shows that 
it has no reference to eternal punishment or of gaining 
eternal life. It states that Jesus materialized himself, 
and those witnessing him did not believe it was him. 
He then said to them that certain "signs should follow 
them that believe." 

There is not a member belomnn^ to said churches 
who dare try the test of belief recorded in the same chap- 
ter, and said to be laid down by Jesus himself. Do 
his words mean anything, and is not the entire chapter 
an account of spirit manifestations, the same that is wit- 
nessed in this age ? 

"Damned" and "saved" have various interpretations, 
but the modern one in the connection used would be 



86 AN EPITOME OP SPIRITUALISM 

condemned, retarded for the former word, saved from 
error in the latter, thereby receiving the truth which was 
demonstrated in deed and act through Jesus. Being 
baptized without doubt referred to spirit and not water, 
as the whole chapter has a spiritual significance. Per- 
sons healing the sick, drinking deadly things and hand- 
ling poisonous serpents doubtless have spirit assistance 
and protection. Baptism by water will not answer in 
such cases. The sitting on the right or left hand of God 
must be with witnesses speculative, and shows that Jesus 
at that time was not considered God, or equal with him, 
either by his friends or himself. It distinctly says in 
the Bible that no one has ever seen God ; in another 
place it says that persons walked and talked with him ; 
which are we to believe ? 

A Christian minister preaching Christ and him cru- 
cified as being the only means of gaming eternal life, also 
teaching sunday school scholars the practical results of 
an honest upright life, while at the same time forging 
other persons' names, and soon after fleeing the country, 
seems to be the last exhibition of a wolf in sheep's cloth- 
ing ; this same minister being a politician using his in 
fluence to enact a law that would drive spiritualism from 
the State. Such acts show how thin the professed re- 
ligious covering is with many who make long prayers to 
be heard of men, while in fact it is resorted to as a cover 
for undeveloped actions, swindling and the like. 

If the doctrine of one hundred years ago was correct, 
and that belief in the sectarian dogmas and creeds saved 
souls, and those not believing in them were lost or to be 
burned up in hell, why are they not true to-day, or why 
such a modification in the teachings by the same denom- 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 87 

inations ? If it has been discovered that a mistake has 
been made, why sail under the old flag of error or still 
retain the crude dogmas in their creeds ? We would 
say preach the old until it becomes so offensive or ridic- 
ulous that reason will assert her convictions, and after- 
wards be independent, and not be ashamed to sail under 
the flag of progression, which is spiritualism. Believing 
in one doctrine and preaching another is hypocrisy, as 
we see it. A great judgment day is fixed for all per- 
sons, and the raising of the material body in the future ; 
a personal devil, a local heaven and hell, is either true 
or false ; if true why go round it ; if false why not so 
proclaim it fearlessly ? 

Religion to us means daily acts in life ; there is no 
fixed standard for religion, that is allowing belief to con- 
stitute the word, but if persons' actions make their re- 
ligion, doubtless the better they are the higher and 
purer would be their religion. Jt will not do to mix 
the old wine with the new, or attempt to ride two hor- 
ses at one time, without expecting bad results ; it is the 
same in teaching a new doctrine under an old name, 
trying to hold on to the old when it is outgrown. It 
seems inconsistent that a paper that claims to be an advo- 
cate of Congregationalism and the saving of souls by the 
vicarious atonement process, also defaming spirit medi- 
ums without investigating their claims, while at the same 
time advocating the laws and principles that spiritualists 
have taught for the past twenty five years, which are indi- 
rect opposition to the views of the regular Congregation- 
alists' interpretation of life and its laws concerning a fu- 
ture life and its rewards and penalties ; also publishing 
long articles on the rearing of fine high priced colts, 



88 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

seems to us like blending the sublime, the useful and the 
ridiculous ; the mixture combined in such a compound 
making it appear like a farce to thinking minds. Is it 
strange that the public are losing confidence in claimed 
professions, and that some of the religious teachers who 
have an eye to the "signs of the times" and are somewhat 
shrewd, see that good persons out of the churches are a 
great hindrance to the power and example they desire 
to exert in soeiety, and are suggesting that membership 
be conferred upon the good, whether they desire it or 
not ; in this way hold or count on our side all the good 
as well as some that prove black sheep. This logic 
may be well for the church, but it lacks principle, and 
shows policy more than lasting benefit. We have no 
doubt but what good persons will take care of themselves 
let them be members of churches or not. If those not 
good can be made better by placing them under church 
bonds, the quicker they are secured the better for soci- 
ety, but indications show that the churches have but lit- 
tle lasting effect upon some persons. 

Jesus, according to history, was in full sympathy with 
the spiritual philosophy, and inferred that there was but 
one sin but what could be forgiven in this world or the 
next ; this shows that he believed in progression after 
the change death, or he would not have alluded to for- 
giveness in the next world. Doubtless he desired to be 
understood that by resisting or warring against the spirit 
influx (Holy Ghost) it was something that could not be 
obtained while doing so, therefore the time lost by so 
doing could not be regained in spirit life ; and when 
there they would discover that they had sinned against 
the spirit of truth, and in ages could not arrive to the 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 89 

degree of perfection that they might have done, had 
they worked in harmony with the laws of life and the 
universe. When we consider that no two individuals 
are organized or look alike, is it strange that no two 
think alike on all subjects ? 

Abundant evidence is seen to convince any thinking 
mind that the Great Spirit is no respecter of persons, 
or any particular form of religious belief; neither does 
he go outside of universal law to protect, sustain or pun- 
ish any one. The good and pure suffer by poverty and 
accident as well as the wicked ; churches of all denom- 
inations are burned and receive the bad effects of severe 
storms and high winds alike. Do these facts not show 
conclusive that the all-wise spirit does not turn aside by 
the pleadings of mortals. Mankind can change their 
course of action and belief when they discover the true 
and better way of living ; also must work in harmony 
with natural laws, instead of having the laws conform 
to their crude ideas of them ; that is if they would be 
correct in principle and desire harmony. 

In a free country where the greatest liberty of relig- 
ious thought should be tolerated, and where so many 
different interpretations of the Bible are prominent, it 
seems child's play or foolishness to attempt to harmon- 
ize all shades of opinion upon the Bible ; therefore in 
schools for general teaching in the useful, practical stud- 
ies necessary for everyday life, where the money is ob- 
tained for the support of them by an equal taxation of 
its citizens, it seems not only wisdom, but advisable to 
either do away with its use or read it as any other his- 
tory. The various views in relation to its religious 
interpretation should be taught only in the different or- 



90 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

ganizations, but common school education must be uni- 
versal or inharmony will exist, as the consequence -of 
diversions. Our church should not be taken into con- 
sideration in general education. 

The ministerial church scandal which has shocked the 
entire country, and is an elephant to-day in the church 
organization should be dropped for the best good of so- 
ciety. If the reports are true it is no better or worse 
than it was with those filling high places in Bible times. 
It is folly to expect perfection in man or woman, and if 
a minister has erred, and has reformed, why not forgive 
instead of persecuting, especially when their doctrine 
should be forgive "seventy times seven," and charity for 
the erring. Has the minister ever been known to preaeh 
that a life he is accused of living as being right, or has 
he not on all occasions taught that the greater the puri- 
ty, the higher the form of life ? Are his accusers perfect 
in all things ? Why destroy a man's usefulness and at- 
tempt to place him on a plane of life lower than he 
wants to live? 

Spirit Materialization is the last and most con- 
vincing phase of manifestation that has appeared ; the 
entire public are being aroused to thought and action up- 
on the subject. Was spirit materialization as recorded 
in the Bible a fact ? Spirits are materializing themselves 
in different sections of the country ; it is the same in all 
departments of human life, the true and the false exist. 
We can speak positively in saying that spirits do mate- 
rialize themselves ; that there are persons engaged in 
deceiving in this phase of manifestation is without ques- 
tion true ; that there are those who possess genuine 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 91 

powers that deceive at times is also doubtless true. 

What can be more convincing proof of immortality 
than to have spirits appear materialized, and as tangible 
to the material eye as though they were earth's inhabit- 
ants, precisely the same as they did more than eighteen 
hundred years ago, that is if history is correct. Hallucina- 
tion, deception, or being psychologized is not applicable 
in all cases in speaking of this phase of manifestation. 

While we were at Moravia a minister from Cape Cod 
was present, having been sent there by his society to in- 
vestigate the genuineness of the manifestations ; he was 
incog, to all present, not even giving his name, profession 
or residence ; his son in spirit life, who was drowned, 
was there, appearing materialized, and gave the manner 
of his exit ; also gave the family matters which convinced 
his parent, of the genuineness of the materialization. He 
returned to his home and society, with a full conviction 
of the reality of spirit materialization. He made this 
acknowledgment to his society, and in answer to the 
many letters received asking him if the accounts pub- 
lished in several papers were true as stated ; he invaria- 
bly replied in the following words "whereas I once 
believed in immortality I now know it to be true, as I 
have seen my son's spirit materialized and talked with 
him face to face." 

Not long since a church member said to us that he 
thought one statement in the Bible proved materialization 
to be truthful, which was this : "As the disciples were 
sitting with closed doors, Jesus appeared [materialized] 
in their midst." 

As these manifestations are becoming quite common 
it is more than useless to give long accounts of them ; 



92 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

one fact well authenticated is as good as a thousand. 
While we were at Chittenden there appeared many dif- 
ferent spirits at each seance, which were recognized by 
relatives and friends. We will here state that it was a 
physical impossibility to arrange or place machinery so 
that what appeared to be spirits was deception ; there- 
fore we must come to the conclusion that what is seen 
at these seances are disembodied spirits materialized. 
There have been reliable, accredited accounts given of 
materialization in all the principal cities of the States, 
either in full size or faces and hands, which are not as 
convincing to skeptics as the spirit itself fully material- 
ized, talking, singing and walking about. 

For the past twenty five years spirits have material- 
ized their hands through many different mediums ; some- 
times they would place them in smooth surface flour, 
leaving different sizes ; recently William Denton has 
discovered a novel way of obtaining casts of spirit faces 
and hands in the presence of several different mediums, 
the spirits placing their hands in melted paraffine. Plas- 
ter casts are taken from these moulds. This is no more 
convincing than the spirit hand itself to the believer. 
Doubtless mediums who have had materialization either 
in the dark or light can obtain these moulds if they de- 
sire them. 

Darkness is a condition requisite for obtaining spirit 
casts, while the spirits in full form are materialized and 
walk out into the light ; darkness does not necessarily 
imply deception, but it causes suspicion with skeptics, 
who do not have absolute test conditions placed upon 
those engaged in obtaining materializations. 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 93 

We doubt the propriety of holding advertised public 
paying seances for spirit manifestation until the medium 
is unfolded to the extent of giving manifestations that 
leaves the skeptic without doubt, as to their genuineness. 

Doubtless much that appears which resembles our spir- 
it friends is performed by familiar spirits, and is not in 
fact our spirit friends, only in representation. A well 
informed spirit who understands the spiritual law can 
without doubt materialize spirits of different sizes, also 
wearing apparel, jewelry or anything they desire. It 
is not reasonable to suppose that a young child has the 
power or ability to materialize itself. In this solution 
it may explain why the seeming mystery and conflicting 
testimony exists between different investigators. 

The law of spirit transfer has been tested to the entire 
satisfaction of many close investigators : that which af- 
fects the spirit materialized body will affect the medium 
whose forces produce them ; therefore caution should be 
exercised ; there are reliable persons who testify that the 
material body of the medium has been fully spiritualized 
or dematerialized while the materializations are trans- 
piring. 

Such being the fact, the tying and untying of the 
medium, also placing iron rings upon the arms, taking 
off and putting on coats, is more in name than in reality ; 
these things seem strange and incomprehensible and may 
be better understood in the future ; there is at least a 
mystery hanging over these accredited manifestations. 

We cannot see that it is possible for material sub- 
stance to exist in the spirit world ; the temporary mate- 
rialization of a body for a spirit, is doubtless accomplished 
by the spirit attracting chemicals from the medium's or- 



94 AN EPITOME OE SPIRITUALISM 

ganism and the surrounding elements which are contained 
in the atmosphere ; it is the same with spirit flowers in 
their materialization. It has been proposed on seeing 
a materialized spirit to test its reality that a bullet should 
be fired through it ; report says that it has been done, 
but we think none but those ignorant of the law of spirit 
materialization would attempt such an experiment. It 
is a well attested fact that a portion of the elements that 
make up the materialized body return to the medium on 
its being demateriahzed ; therefore what would affect the 
spirit body would affect the medium whose forces pro- 
duced it. 

If what has been stated be true, is it strange that some 
persons are afraid to meet the spirits gone before, es- 
pecially those whom they have, while in earth life been 
guilty of deceiving and injuring? Some persons think 
that the "dead" know not anything, but spiritualism re- 
veals the fact that spirits never were more alive and active 
than while in spirit life ; this should be a warning to 
all who do not do right and deal justly. Spiritualism 
seems to be more feared at the present time than the 
doctrine of a future punishment in a "burning hell," and 
takes the place of a judgment, as the spirit inhabitants 
can and do reveal crime, hypocrisy, deception and vice. 
"When persons approach the spiritually unfolded they 
are seen for their own worth and as they are. 

Spirit Photography has been discussed pro and 
con as to the genuineness of the likenesses that appear 
upon the plates ; most of the photographers who are not 
engaged in taking them pronounce the most that appear 
of mundane sphere production. We cannot doubt but 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 95 

what spirits can materialize and their likenesses be taken, 
but it is difficult to discover the genuine from those man- 
ufactured to order ; there arc as many different kinds 
taken as there are artists that take them ; each artist's 
work has a universal appearance with all that they take, 
but do not look like those taken by any other artists : if 
genuine this may be accounted for by the quality of for- 
ces generated in the artist's organism. The differing of 

o o o 

the likeness taken by the different artists either shows 
different processes of taking'them, or that they originate 
in mundane spheres. If we were favored with such a 
gift we would not only prove to the world that they 
were honestly taken as claimed, but would call them spir- 
it photographs at all times and places. The artists them- 
selves must know for a certainty, whether genuine or 
manufactured to order. We are sorry that there are 
many things that look mysterious in this phase of spirit 
manifestations. The artists that are taking them have 
little or no confidence in any other artist's productions ; 
this is a bad omen to say the least. We wish there was 
no chance for deception, as it would prove one of the 
most convincing proofs of the reality of spirit individu- 
ality for all mankind in the future life. 

It has been suggested that four lenses be used by spirit 
artists in testing their reliability ; in this way it would 
show readily whether made to order, or whether the 
spirit itself was actually present. If they were placed 
on the plate to order, they could not without much pains 
be placed in exact position upon each plate. 

We can in part comprehend how a camera can take 
likenesses of materialized spirits, but cannot understand 
how the camera can discern objects that the material eye 



96 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

does not recognize. In taking spirit likenesses where 
there is no materialization, what can be the need of a 
camera? Why not prepare a plate for the picture and 
let the spirit do the rest, the same as they project their 
profiles upon window curtains, glass, etc. If the room 
is full of spirits, as is claimed by spirits themselves, and 
it is a fact that photographs of them are taken when not 
discerned by the material eye, why do they not appear 
in groups on the plates with any operator, while the 
camera is set at random ? 

The above criticism is only made for the artists (if 
any) who know that they are deceiving the public ; the 
honest spirit artist will concur in this exposition. 

Infidelity and Infidels are expressions that have 
been applied to believers in spirit communion in a re- 
proachful manner. We think the words equally appli- 
cable to all persons who do not believe in modern spir- 
itualism, or are in opposition to our belief, let it be what 
it may. 

Often spiritualists show to skeptics and the world 
much inconsistency in their actions, and it would seem 
as though they were trying in all ways possible to de- 
stroy the effects of the knowledge obtained. Who ever 
heard of any other form of religious believers where its 
advocates did not work more in harmony and unison for 
the sustaining and promulgating their teachings ! Indi- 
vidual interests, cliques, rings and selfish motives are 
too prominent to have united action ; persons act out 
their own natures. Spiritualists do not seem interested 
in building up a church organization which does not in- 
clude all humanity, and if they were they doubtless 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 97 

would be thwarted, as it does not seem to be their mis- 
sion. They employ persons to speak for them who have 
no faith or belief in a future life beyond the change 
"death." The following are the words of one that has 
often been employed to speak for them : 

"In his opinion spiritualism was a humbug, and many 
honest believers in it were gulled every day. He didn't 
believe in the immortality of the soul, and said that 
there was no proof of an after life. He didn't live next 
week and he didn't know that he would until next week 
arrived. He wasn't conscious of an existence before he 
was born, and couldn't be conscious of life after death 
until he had wound up his career on earth. He asked 
if the mediums of the day did not carry on their seances 
because "there was millions in it," and replied that he 
was informed by mediums that they gave " manifestations 
for the purpose of making money." 

It is a mystery to us that intelligent infidels teach the 
philosophy and law of progression, and ignore spirit iden- 
tity after death ; also it seems strange and inconsistent 
for spiritualists to employ persons to speak for them who 
do not recognize individuality after the body is separated 
from the spirit. 

Within a short time three noted Unitarian ministers 
have publicly stated that they did not know anything of 
human life beyond the gate called death ; also a profes- 
sor in one of the oldest colleges of this country, in a late 
lecture attempted to prove that there was to be a literal, 
material resurrection of the body, and that Jesus' body 
was materially raised, and gave proofs from the Bible 
for his belief. The entire evangelical churches combined 
teach that the material body is to be resurrected in the 

5 



98 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

future ; they know nothing of a future life except through 
the eye of faith, the Bible distinctly stating "the dead 
know not anything." 

The Second Adventists (Miller as leader) mistook the 
new dispensation (spiritualism) for the end of the world, 
and as a whole, cannot see their error to this day. The 
Homan Catholics teach that spirits are active in "purga- 
tory" and can progress out of it ; at the same time warn 
their followers to flee from spiritualism, which is one and 
the same thing in reality, as far as the destiny of the 
spirit being fixed eternally on its entrance to spirit life. 
Spiritualists are the only class of individuals that actu- 
ally preach with a knowledge of a future life for all 
"mankind, suited to each person's growth, and which is 
continually changing, and progressive as aspirations and 
conditions will admit. This being the case should they 
not feel encouraged, and be willing to proclaim it in all 
of its diversified phases and conditions with truthfulness, 
and without fear or favor, looking only for the best in- 
terest of all mankind ? 

Capital Punishment is generally considered by 
spiritualists to be the relics of a barbarous age, therefore 
they are opposed to hanging (called capital punishment) 
as a means of correcting society, or as punishment and 
an example. 

When a person takes the life of another individual, 
as a general thing they do it in an uncontrollable fit of 
anger, or in an excited state of mind, which is produced 
from various causes, or while the mind is unbalanced, 
(insane.) A nation hangs its victim while there is a 
cool deliberation entered into, doing it as is supposed, 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 99 

for the best good of society. Is the murderer or the 
nation the most to blame? This question must be 
solved in the future if not here. We think that persons 
born with evil tendencies and who are unsafe, should 
be confined for a material life if the case warrants it ; 
the confinement should be for the protection of society ; 
also that the crime may not be repeated. If the health 
of the criminal admits, they should be self-sustaining. 

When it is realized that sending spirits to spirit life 
is no punishment, that the spirit after the execution is 
not dead but alive and active, and can do harm in one 
sphere of life as well as in the other, then will govern- 
ment adopt a new system of punishment that will edu- 
cate the criminals and make them fit spirits to dwell in 
spirit life before sending them there. 

Reasons why spiritualists do not organize, 
and the ultimate result of their teachings. 

Why spiritualists do not organize as do other relig- 
ious denominations is often asked by the public. We 
will give our views of the mission of spiritualism, others 
may differ, which is or should be a part of the spiritual 
philosophy, "agree to disagree" on minor points. Belief 
does not change anything in nature ; being lost or saved 
has nothing to do with the subject ; our destiny is not so 
easily formed, and by saying I believe or disbelieve does 
not change the laws of life. 

In many cases individuals must belong to some church 
or be wealthy to be recognized as suitable candidates for 
office ; the ring and clique business should not be encour- 
aged by spiritualists. Nothing short of an organization 
in religious belief, which includes all humanity can be 



100 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

lasting. Organization for government, protection and 
business purposes, which includes local ones for the pro- 
mulgation of what individuals consider the truth is 
desirable and beneficial, but a national religious organ- 
ization in a free country seems out of place. In selecting 
persons for office, capacity and integrity should be 
sought, in preference to showing favora to friends, who 
have not ability and qualifications ; "loaves and fishes" 
should be secondary when adaptation and responsibility 
are required. The prospect for a sectarian spiritual or- 
ganization is not as perceptible to-day, as it was ten year3 
ago ; many satisfactory reasons could be given for this 
state of things. We will not discuss them at this time as 
the facts must be evident to all who have investigated 
the subject to any extent. In our previous work enti- 
tled "An exposition of Spiritualism" we stated some of 
the reasons which seems sufficient, as the facts bear out 
the statements therein made ; but as many spiritualists 
are not aware of the exertions that have been made by 
some of the leading spiritualists we will state a few facts 
for their benefit as well as the public. 

The question should not be "Are you in favor of or- 
ganization?" but "Does the spirit world, or the power 
that rules design that a fact of such importance to all 
mankind shall be acknowledged universally, or shall it 
be sectarian, as other forms of religious organizations 
that oppose it ?" Why should those who accept spir- 
itualism organize any more than those who believe in 
magnetism, chemistry and astronomy? Are not old re- 
ligious organizations shaky, its members inharmonious, 
and are not such crumbling at their foundation, being 
false in theory ? We cannot see that spiritualism is to 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 101 

be used as a power to war with other organizations, ex- 
cept it be by a slow, natural process of growth which 
undermines. There are local and national organizations 
for government and protection, which are the best that 
the people know as a whole. These change as people 
advance in growth, but this great truth must be univer- 
sal. The means to be used in advancing the truth may 
be organized or not, as best suits the conditions and lo- 
cality that persons are called to labor in. What other 
doctrine has advanced at such a rapid pace, and that too 
without any combined action or large money fund to 
draw from ? Is not this a sure indication that spiritu- 
alism has a broader and larger field of action than a 
sectarian organization ? That these statements are sus- 
tained by the facts themselves, we will give a brief his- 
tory of the conventions that have been held ; some 
attending, no doubt, for an honest purpose of helping 
the cause ; but the results thus far have proven unsuc- 
cessful, and shows that there is no limitation or bonds 
made by the crude elements of society that can blend all 
grades of persons into one sphere of thought and action. 
Time may develop conditions for a harmonious religious 
organization, but to us it does not seem to be the order 
of things, any more than it would be to harmonize evil 
with good. Both must work together to gain benefit, 
but not in any sense different from what all grades of 
society work together. Most spiritualists develop indi- 
viduality and they assert their views with decided opin- 
ion. Some of them think this age far in advance of 
ancient times spoken of in history, and that progress 
marks the hour ; but others think differently, and are 
attempting to produce manifestations said to have oc- 



102 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

curred in ages past ; therefore their progress must be 
backward, the advocating of teachings that have gradu- 
ally been buried in oblivion as civilization advances, 
seems unprofitable and more especially so for progres- 
sionists, that is without history is to repeat itself; there- 
fore they cannot harmonize upon the issues of life, as do 
the willing subjects who take the opinions of others as 
their guide. The principal papers in this country de- 
voted to the advancement of the spiritual philosophy 
do not harmonize in all issues that are claimed by some 
persons to be germane to spiritualism , but as they do 
not claim to be infallible, they no doubt are doing their 
work as best they can, each in its own sphere of useful- 
ness, and acting from their highest convictions of right. 

The first and last gatherings were mass conventions, 
the others were represented by delegates, in many cases 
self appointed, or made so by their presence. The first 
gathering being in Chicago ended in a division, politics 
crept in and caused it ; the one held last year in Boston 
proved to be the last and must be resuscitated under differ- 
ent auspices, that is if it is to be known as a spiritualistic 
movement. Most spiritualists look upon organization 
thus far as a farce and take no interest either in conven- 
tions or an organization ; consider them useless appen- 
dages. 

In the last call made, the names of "Spiritualism, Free 
Religion, and Infidels" were made use of for the purpose 
of discussing the subject of "Social Freedom," the affair 
being run almost exclusively by a few freedomites, the 
local papers honestly called it by its right name, "a Free 
Love Convention." The above names doubtless were 
used without consent or approval, and as a cloak to gain 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 103 

a respectable hearing ; it being a socialistic gathering 
almost exclusively. There was but one side represented, 
they could have voted any person into office or any 
resolution into existence if they had been called upon 
to vote ; without doubt a few of the wise ones saw that 
it would not answer to show their strength, therefore 
voted it inexpedient to vote upon the resolutions under 
consideration ; this act prevented the united action from 
being known to the public, and to-day it is not known 
whether the different societies named in the call approved 
or disapproved of the proceedings. 

We will copy extracts from a letter published in the 
Index, Oct. 15 from a prominent radical, rational spir- 
itualist, which states the facts in brief. He said "It could 
with as much propriety be called a cattle show as a spir- 
itual convention, and it is this fact that leads me to write 
this letter. There was but a very slight sprinkling of 
Boston spiritualists present ; many of these like myself 
were present from curiosity rather than interest. The 
subject of spiritualism was entirely left out." He also 
styled it a ship sailing under false colors, and that when 
he was in Parker Memorial Hall on the 17th of Septem- 
ber he was not in a spiritualists' convention and it was 
an offense to a good many spiritualists to call it one. 

The Philadelphia convention desired to make the or- 
ganization perpetual, all but five voting for it ; delegates 
were to become life members. We were one of the five 
that voted against its being continued in that form, and 
the results to-day show how impractical it would have 
been. The Troy convention proved to be a great farce on 
a small scale ; rings, cliques were the order and were so 
thin that it seemed a mystery how intelligent individuals 



104 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

could be drawn into it. There was in fact no president 
chosen at this convention ; the second ballot there was 
ninety votes cast all told, three candidates for the office ; 
two of them had forty two votes each, the other six votes. 
The enthusiasm and large promises of funds to carry 
on the work was proclaimed as fitness for the office. 
Pamphlets and books were distributed according to the 
influence each delegate possessed, varying in price from 
forty cents to three dollars ; each speaker having a set 
of books, the rest of the delegates having her biography 
by Theodore Tilton etc., the presents creating a sort of 
sympathy ; the life of such a wonderful woman made the 
psychological effect more catching and the work after 
this was easily accomplished. One of the delegates asked 
the candidate this question, "If you are elected as pres- 
ident, will it be detrimental to your prospects of being 
elected to the presidency of the United States ?" The 
candidate with tears coursing down her cheeks, knew 
just how to reach and affect the sympathetic audience, 
replied that she did not care if it did, etc. This was 
enough to finish the work. Some of the delegates did 
not seem to think that there was anything more to be 
done in the way of labor in the cause, others declared 
that fifty thousand dollars was to be given to the cause 
the next year if the candidate was elected. We looked 
on with amazement at the proceedings, and could not 
help thinking what excitement and foolishness ; persons 
who had labored faithfully for fifteen years as lecturers 
did not get a chance to be heard during the convention, 
while the nominated candidate (from her own statement) 
acknowledged that she never entered a spiritual conven- 
tion previous, was allowed the principal part of two 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 105 

evenings, as well as much of the time during one day 
session. 

It was afterwards announced that she was elected 
president of the association. We never desire to see 
such a farce played by a body of spiritualists again, it 
being their doctrine to discountenance anything that 
borders upon the ring and clique business in others. 
AVe had this only solution as explanation, which was 
that the angel world was wiser than mortals, and blinded 
some of the delegates to the conditions and facts, and 
made use of the available element for the purpose of de- 
stroying the last vestige of the national organization 
which was successfully accomplished, and from that day 
to this almost the entire interest at the gatherings has 
been confined to "social freedom." 

Spiritualists to-day have no national organization, 
neither have they but few working local ones, and the 
reasons are evident to all who take a comprehensive view 
of the entire subject. 

Stirpiculture or selection is a subject that was dis- 
cussed at the last gathering. This subject is common 
with stock raising. Draught and carnage horses are 
more useful than the race or fast horse, but are not con- 
sidered so valuable ; all of them fill their sphere of 
usefulness, but we cannot with propriety compare the 
raising of human beings to that of the lower animals, as 
all individuals have certain rights that cannot with con- 
sistency be taken from them by delegated popes. 

It seems well that individuals are not organized alike 
or think alike, and are not equal in mentality. Differ- 
ent developments can be made available in their own 
sphere of life ; finite beings cannot make the universal 



106 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

standard for all society; individuals seem to be fitted 
for all branches of labor and usefulness and to all grades 
of life, mentally, physically and spiritually ; different 
individuals should seek to find their own natural adapta- 
tion. Society must advance as a whole and while there 
is a demand for the coarser material work, there must 
be those fitted to accomplish it, and the pope style of 
making selections would not improve society as a whole 
or aid progression as we see it. 

There is no perfection with the human ; knowledge 
never changes ; all persons' beliefs are liable to change, 
therefore the public should look upon the various opin- 
ions and actions connected with spiritualists, as they do 
upon the actions and beliefs of society in general under 
other names, no better or worse, without there is some- 
thing to warrant it. Mankind cannot change the laws 
of the universe ; ignorance and undeveloped actions are 
prominent with the various societies and people. By 
taking this view more harmony will be developed, and 
the subject be better understood. Truth and justice 
must come uppermost in the end, therefore it is better 
to wait patiently for the growth. Human beings exist 
to-day fitted for all kinds of labor ; what some lack in 
spiritual, others do in their material ; which has the pref- 
ference while dwelling in mundane spheres is a question 
not easily solved by mankind. Are not all grades of 
society essential to assist the designs of the infinite? 
Why could not the human race have been made perfect 
if such was the intention, thereby saving a continual 
struggling to reach a higher and more perfect growth ? 
If spiritualists formed organizations which only in- 
cluded their own belief, what better would they be than 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 107 

those they are not in harmony with in that direction ? 
Sectarian organizations cannot be permanent, as they 
conflict with the natural order of things. There are so 
many shades of opinions with the spiritualists that it is 
impossible to bind them together except as all society is 
bound. Without doubt spiritualism is the leaven in so- 
ciety and cannot be confined or limited, therefore its 
mission is not to form permanent organizations outside of 
all society. As proofs of these statements we will say 
that there are a number of trance mediums settled over 
other religious denominations, and daily we hear of min- 
isters that have outgrown their previous religious teach- 
ings, and have become converted or convinced of the 
truthfulness of spiritualism, and are willing to preach 
it, thus showing that its mission is to work in and 
through all society, and to know no bounds or limits 
outside of the entire whole. 

In dealing with this subject we have endeavored to 
take law and principle instead of speculative theories, 
knowing that which harmonizes with the past must of 
necessity continue on in the future. It may be falsely 
interpreted in this solution as conveying the idea that 
the "all right doctrine" is correct. 

We cannot see all things as far as human beings' ac- 
tions are concerned, to be all right ; all things exist 
as they are subject to continual change ; if all things 
were right it would destroy the need of progression. 
We can conceive of all things being wrong to-day, but 
in the tomorrow may be righted ; cause and effect exist 
and the playing upon words does not make wrong right, 
and often leads the ignorant to do unbecoming things, 
planting themselves upon the all right doctrine as an ex- 



108 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

cuse for wrong doing. If persons would abstain from 
doing what they know to be wrong and would do what 
they know to be rights there would be much suffering 
prevented, not only for themselves but others. 

Great ignorance abounds concerning what spiritual- 
ism is and what it is not, and how it affects the lives of 
individuals is not generally understood. If the natural 
life forces were better understood by mankind, there 
would be less selfishness, war and bloodshed ; the acts of 
life would become more natural instead of being superfi- 
cial ; and knowledge would supersede ignorance. Hu- 
man laws will be needed just as long as selfishness exists ; 
arbitration is better than going to law to settle disputes, 
but as there are so many persons that seem to care noth- 
ing for their word or honor that it is almost impossible 
to settle some just claims except by disinterested jurors. 

We could relate several cases that have come under 
our own personal knowledge that would warrant the ex- 
treme penalty of the law, but as such cases are common 
with all individuals who are dealing with society in a 
business point, we will refrain to publish them even if 
our desire is almost uncontrollable to show the injustice 
and rascality that has been practised upon us personal- 
ly, and that too by persons who have held high positions 
of trust, and others who are moving in good society. 
They must suffer most in the end, and that is our only 
consolation. 

Eules and conditions beneficial to individuals hav- 
ing besetting vices or habits. Say "I will abandon 
them;" once said with a will and determination, the 
work is accomplished. Self harmony, self sustaining, 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. 109 

self reliant, self respect, self company are conditions to 
be cultivated, whieh will lead to happiness. 

In these times of crime and recklessness, extravagance 
and lack of morality, spiritualists should set an example 
by practising economy and living a life of stability. 

Some persons advocate the necessity of all persons 
passing through low conditions to obtain higher ones ; 
we think this injurious in its tendency and untrue in fact. 
If persons are low in their natures, they will remain so 
until they outgrow or overcome and subdue the lower. 
It is not necessary for persons to indulge in vice and 
ruinous habits to know of their effects. Is not the rea- 
son of man superior to the instinct of animals ? Does not 
the animal often show greater wisdom than the human, 
that is in eating and drinking what the system requires 
and is beneficial ? 

In conclusion we will say that we are confident that 
what we said in our previous works will accord in har- 
mony with our present views, thereby avoiding con- 
flicting with previous statements. We can add to our 
knowledge, but it does not answer for us to vacillate 
and place on record statements to-day that have to be 
contradicted tomorrow. To gain confidence with the 
public it is better not to make statements without they 
can be first positively demonstrated ; we can speculate 
upon things, but making assertions that we cannot prove 
is not wisdom or advisable. 

Spiritualism better explains and harmonizes to the fi- 
nite mind all things in life, and traces effects from cau- 
ses, making all that exists in life "one great stupendous 
whole," than any other theory ever advanced. Sincerely 
do we believe that the seeming mysteries, imperfections 



110 AN EPITOME OF SPIRITUALISM 

connected with ancient spiritualism (as history records) 
is no more or less complicated or incomprehensible than 
is modern spiritualism in its manifestations. Both are 
beyond the full comprehension of the finite mind. 

The European spiritual literature, with few excep- 
tions, harmonizes with* that which has been written in 
this country ; thus showing that the various manifesta- 
tions, laws and conditions are universal. 

Spirit manifestations are high or low, as the spirits 
in and out of the material body attract to them, by 
and through their chemical forces, the manifestation 
depending entirely upon the controlling spirit, the 
medium and the investigator. We should not ignore 
the crude, undeveloped conditions of life, as they exist 
whether we desire them or not. Without doubt spirits 
on the lower plane of life are more detrimental to society 
than beneficial, and in some cases it would have been 
better if they had never been born. Spiritualism on the 
lower strata of human life is looked upon by some per- 
sons as being unworthy of their, notice. Such persons 
are blind to the true state of life as it exists, and only 
see from their stand-point of development. Much mis- 
understanding exists by calling the same things by dif- 
ferent names ; for instance the undeveloped spirits are 
called "evil spirits," "diakka," lying spirits ;" and now 
comes a new name, that of "elementary spirits," which 
has never been explained. Whether they are lower in 
the scale of existence than the vegetable cabbage or 
above the woodchuck, has not yet been made known to 
the public. 

Spiritualists differ on many issues connected with hu- 
man life, as do the church members in their non-essen- 



AND SPIRIT MAGNETISM. Ill 

tials ; tfetere are many obstacles to overcome, but the 
philosophy being founded on facts, and infinite, immu- 
table laws, it will eventually overcome crudities and 
imperfections : knowledge will take the place of belief, 
and of a necessity there must be in the future an ac- 
knowledgement by all mankind that spiritualism is a 
verity ; its ultimate will develop the universal religious 
organization which will include all humanity. 

Spiritualism when properly understood and realized 
harmonizes earth and spirit spheres, and also explains 
the subtle laws and philosophy of life, health and hap- 
piness. 



VITAL MAGNETIC CURE. 

AN EXPOSITION OF VITAL MAGNETISM; 

AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE TREATMENT OF MEKTAL AND PHYSICAL 
DISEASE. 

BY A MAGNETIC PHYSICIAN. 

" A more useful book for the student or family can not well be 
found. It is selling well, and gives satisfaction. It is a work that 
will not lose its interest in an age." — Banner of Light. 

" There can be no doubt of the general and eager interest every- 
where manifest in the infant science of vital magnetism. No 
skepticism opposes the facts slowly brought foward concerning it. 
Gratifying as the book is in both manner and matter, its glimpses 
and hints do scarcely more than whet the spirit of inquiry to know 
more." — Woman's Journal. 

" I am much pleased with it ; consider it a very useful book, and 
one that the public need." — Mrs. Caroline Cobb. 

" This book deals with a subject that will grow strongly in favor 
when rightly presented, since the tendency is to the disuse of 
medicines, so far as can be, in the treatment of disease." — South 
Boston Inquirer. 

" This is an interesting book, and contains useful hints in regard 
to health and sickness, so far as they refer to human beings and 
human agencies." — Boston Investigator. 

" It contains much valuable information for the general reader." 
— Am. Spiritualist. 

" Its high moral tone must be an additional recommendation of 
the work. That the human magnetic force, when properly un- 
derstood and applied, is a powerful curative agent, especially in 
all nervous complaints, is now too well established to be denied ; 
and the writer of ' Vital Magnetic Cure,' by an array of facts in 
his experience and that of others, has greatly helped to strengthen, 
if not to settle, the fact of its utility both for the preservation of 
health and the removal of disease." — David Plumb. 

" A very valuable work, entitled as above, which deserves to be 
widely read, if not for the stand taken by the author in favor of a 
somewhat questionable remedial agent, certainly, however, for 
the many suggestions he throws out respecting the preservation 
of health. The time will come when it will be better known ; and 
we therefore commend just such books as the one now spoken 
of, because they will at least familiarize people with that thing 
which will some day be better understood." — Milford Journal. 

"I have read during the last ten years nearly every thing pub- 
lished on the application of magnetism to the cure of disease ; and 
I deem this work an important addition to the literature of the 
subject, and of great practical value to every one who would learn 
how to successfully use this most efficient sanitive agency." — W- 
F. Evans, M.D., Author of Mental Cure. 

First edition exhausted in a few weeks. 
For sale by COLBY & RICH. Pkice $1,50. Postage 20 cts. 



NATURE'S LAWS IN HUMAN LIFE. 

AN EXPOSITION OF SPIRITUALISM ; 

EMBRACING THE VARIOUS OPINIONS OF EXTREMISTS, PRO 

AND CON, TOGETHER WITH THE AUTHOR'S 

EXPERIENCE. 

BY THE AUTHOR OF "VITAL MAGNETIC CURE." 



As the title indicates, it takes a comprehensive view of the sub- 
ject treated of. Opposing opinions are brought together side by 
6ide, and can be weighed in the balance. This mode of compari- 
son practically puts Spiritualism on trial, and enables the reader 
to judge of its real merits. The absurdity of extreme views, 
born of prejudice rather than knowledge, is exposed. A mass of 
evidence is given in the form of narrative, which, for variety 
can not be found in any one publication. The interest awakened 
in Spiritualism is now world-wide ; and it must, as alleged by 
its enemies, be a stupendous delusion or fraud, or of satanic 
origin, or, as claimed by its believers, a revolution of facts which 
brings one of the greatest blessings vouchsafed to mankind. The 
arguments are cogent, and presented in a spirited manner. 

There are also miscellaneous subjects both of a practical and 
speculative nature discussed, which have grown out of the main 
subject, such as Marriage, Divorce, Free Love, Re-incarnation, a 
Criticism upon the Numerous Religious Organizations, &c. About 
300 pp. Price $1.50. Postage 20 cts. 



"Nature's Laws in Human Life." 

Notices. 

" It Is an exhaustive summary of the best things, best persons, and best 
sayings, that have appeared in the great spiritual movement." — Western Star. 

"Its real purpose is to place before the reader the facts and phenomena of what 
is called Spiritualism, and, in doing so, gives a pretty impartial statement of the 
different views respecting the asserted spiritual manifestations. He quotes from 
those who treat the whole matter as a deception, the mediums as jugglers, 
and their doings as a new phase of legerdemain. He gives the views of those 
like Elder Knapp, who admit the phenomena as of spiritual origin, but attri- 
bute them all to, the cunning and power of the Devil. He quotes from those 
who occupy the scientific standpoint, and refer the phenomena to some not yet 
Understood laws of mind and matter, to the exclusion of the spirit theory. 

" On the affirmative side, — that spirits work the results, — the author thinks he 
finds much proof in the Bible and in the strange experience of Swcdenborg 
The book is, of course, for the most part, made up of the wonderful things done 
through the mediums, which he claims there is no accounting for in reason, ex- 
cept as being by spirit agency. The favorable opinion of great names is given 
to corroborate that view; and the reader is left to judge for himself, and decide 
as the proof may seem to demand. 

"There is so much in this question of Spiritualism that cannot be scouted, but 
demands honest and earnest inquiry, that a book so full and so impartial on the 
subject as the one under consideration is entitled to be cordially received and 
widely read." — David Plumb. 

" This work is principally a compilation of facts both for and against the phi- 
losophy of Spiritualism ; and such has been the author's regard for the whole 
unvarnished truth, that we find nothing distorted or misrepresented on either 
side, but an array of facts, so detailed as to form a very readable and attractive 
book, such as all hesitating minds might peruse with profit." — American Sjiir- 
itualist. 

New Publications. 

" We are at a loss to say which is the more interesting, — the testimony ad- 
duced by the author pro and con, or his own comments and discussions." — 
Banner of Light. 

"Nature's Laws in Human Life." 

" The work is written in a spirit of candor which commends itself to the reader. 
The author evidently has a sincere faith in the truth of Spiritualism. The opin- 
ions of its opponents are fairly stated, with no attempt to soften them down, and 
are answered by a record of facts drawn from the writer's large experience and 
extensive observation, and the principles fairly deducible from those facts. It is 
■written in a clear and compact style, and is free from all offensive attacks upon 
other forms of religious belief. To the myriads of people in our land who long 
to know something about the reality of another life, and of communication with 
the unseen realm, and of the laws that govern it, this will be found a useful 
volume." — W. F. Evans, author of " Mental Cure." 

"The R. P. Journal," "Utica Herald," and many of the local papers, give 
long reviews of the book; and there is yet to be anything said which would 
convey the idea that prejudice was shown on either side of the subject : but a candid 
statements of facts is shown, and the reader can decide the question. Tbe book 
should interest the entire human family. 



THE MENTAL CURE. 

ILLUSTRATING THE INFLUENCE OF THE MIND ON THE 
BODY, BOTH IN HEALTH AND DISEASE, 

AND THE PSYCHOLOGICAL METHOD OF TREATMENT. 

By REV. W. F. EVANS. 

This book has created a lively interest, not only among Spiritu- 
alists, but in the minds of members of the medical profession, and 
among persons of various religious denominations. It is an able 
treatise, and should be in the library of every thinking person, sick 
or well. It has received the encomiums of able critics. A 
reviewer in " The Banner of Light " says, — 

" For originality of thought and treatment, for a certain in- 
trepid directness which is the chief merit of a treatise of this 
character, and for a plain practicalness that commends its broad 
and profound truths, together with its more acute and intricate 
speculations, to the general readers, we think this volume will 
take its place at once among the remarkable productions of the 
day, and vindicate its reputation by the marked revolution it will 
set on foot in reference to common life and thinking. 

" Along with this discussion, he sets forth the mode of regulat- 
ing the intellectual and affectional nature of the invalid, under any 
system of medical treatment." 

This is one of the best books we have on our shelves. — R. P. 
Journal. 

Table of contents annexed. About 1,500 copies of first edition 
gold. A second edition to be issued soon. 364 pp. For sale by 

COLBY & RICH, 
9 MONTGOMEEY PLACE, Boston, Mass. 

Price $1.50. Postage 20 cents. 



"MENTAL CURE. 5 



Additional Testimonials. 



" The power of mind over matter la discussed in a manner both interesting 
and suggestive. We commend it as presenting many truths worthy of at- 
tention." — Woman's Journal. 

"Persons of a metaphysical turn of mind will find It interesting to study." — 
South Boston Inquirer. 

H. A. Burbank writes of it thus : " The reader will find himself in the pro- 
found depths of the science of human nature, and wondering at the great 
•implicity, yet far-reaching relations, of the mysteries of life, mind, and spirit, 
when set forth by a mind fitted to discern spiritual things, and intuitively 
endued with the logical method to 6et them forth to another in a complete and 
rational system, and in the beautiful language of demonstrable truth." 

A. E. Newton says, " It includes a knowledge of spiritual laws and forces 
which are intimately related to the welfare, the daily needs, physical and spirit- 
ual, of humanity in this life, as well as in that which is to come." 

H. K. Hunt, M.D., after a practice of thirty years, says that " it should 
take the same place that ' Combe's Constitution of Man ' did in its day, and 
become a standard work, and be sold by the ten thousands." 

L. W. Abell, M.D., after twelve years' practice, speaks thus, "It is an in- 
valuable book, and should be in every family." 

Dr. A. Johnson, New York, says, " I have no hesitation in saying that it 
contains more sound philosophy in regard to the laws of life and health than all 
the medical works in the library." 

4i The Western Star," "Journal of Health," and "Phrenological Journal," 
epeak in high appreciation of its merits; also Emma Hardinge-Britten, Lizzie 
Doten, A. J. Davis, Thomas Gales Forster, Giles B. Stebbins, authors and lec- 
turers, commend it as being alive to the needs of this age, 



AN 



EPITOME OF -SPIRITUALISM 



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SPIRIT MAGNETISM; 



Tlir.IU VERITY, PRACTICABILITY, CONDITIONS AND LAWS. 



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LAWS IN HUMAN LIFE, ETC. 



BOSTON. 

COLBY AND RICH, PUBLISHERS. 
No. 9 Montgomery Place. 



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